Two tourists drowned and a third remains missing after being swept away by a strong current on Costa del Sol beach in the El Zapote district of San Luis La Herradura, La Paz Centro. The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. yesterday, according to the spokesperson for the Comandos de Salvamento of the Nonualcos section. The deceased were identified as Yilbey Montoya Sánchez, 50, and Gloria Aleyda Meza Rico, 57, both Colombian nationals. The missing person is a 67‑year‑old Colombian man. Rescue teams from the Sistema de Emergencias Médicas (SEM), the National Civil Police (PNC), the National Navy, and Civil Protection lifeguards responded to the scene. According to first reports, the tourists were swimming when a sudden, non‑returning sea current pulled Mrs. Meza Rico into the water. Mr. Mariano García López attempted to rescue her, but was also swept away. Mr. Montoya later entered the water in an attempt to help, and the situation ended with both men and Mrs. Meza Rico drowning. The spokesperson added that the search for Mr. García López continued into the afternoon, extending the search area further out to sea. Authorities have arrived at the site to conduct a formal identification of the two deceased. The search for the missing third tourist remains ongoing.
Article source: Diario El Salvador | Image credit: Diario El Salvador