Two British brothers, 11 and 13, drown off beach in Spain

Two British brothers, aged 11 and 13, have drowned after getting into trouble while swimming off a beach in Spain.

Their father, who ran into the sea to rescue them, survived.

The boys died on Tuesday evening after entering the water in Salou, Tarragona, Catalonia’s civil protection agency said. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 9pm but were unable to revive the two boys.

Reports indicate that they were swimming in a rocky area about 100 metres from the beach, but heavy seas prevented them from getting back to the shore. It was then that their father entered the water before having to be rescued himself.

A UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of two British children who have died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.”

The tragedy occurred only hours after a 54-year-old German tourist drowned nearby off the beach at Cambrils. A total of 16 people have drowned on Catalan beaches since 15 June, five more than over the same period last year.