Tragedy at Sunny Beach
The worst-case scenario has been confirmed for those who disappeared in the sea near Sunny Beach – the bodies of a 14-year-old boy and his 35-year-old relative, who were swallowed by rough waves on Thursday afternoon, have been found. The tragic news comes after a massive rescue operation that lasted for days, hindered by unfavorable weather conditions. The bodies were retrieved from the water in the area of the South Port of Nessebar.
The incident, which took the lives of the two men from Septemvri, occurred on Thursday near the "Vand" hotel in the Sunny Beach resort. According to witnesses, they were part of a larger group that ignored all warnings of danger. Despite the raised red flag, signaling strong swells, and multiple warnings from lifeguards, the group decided to enter the water.
The sea rescuers, who are tasked with the responsibility for tourist safety, constantly warn about the hidden dangers of sea swells. One of the most treacherous is the so-called rip current, which can drag even experienced swimmers out to sea in seconds.
It was this underwater force that proved fatal for the two, while four of their companions managed to get back to shore. After the signal of their disappearance, a massive search operation immediately began. Teams from various institutions participated for days in the search, which was severely hampered by the strong wind and high waves. Air and sea assets were mobilized in the operation. The integrated system of the Border Police for observation, search, and rescue was used, which works in close collaboration with the Maritime Rescue Center. A drone from RDGP Burgas, a patrol boat, and a duty border police ship also joined the search and were continuously scouring the area.
After the bodies were found, an inspection procedure was immediately initiated to determine the causes of death. The bodies are yet to be transported for autopsy to the Forensic Medicine department at the UMHAT – Burgas. A pre-trial proceeding has already been opened at the Nessebar District Police Department, which will investigate all circumstances surrounding the tragic incident that led to the death of the two men.