Tragedy with a child during parasailing in Nessebar: Investigating a fatal incident

21.08.2025 | Burgas

An eight-year-old boy died during a sea attraction due to a technical problem with the safety harness. The prosecution is investigating three people for the death.

Снимка от Pexels

A diving team will conduct an underwater search for critical clues related to the tragic death of 8-year-old Ivan from Razlog during parasailing near the Southern Beach in Nessebar. The investigation aims to establish the exact cause of the fatal incident that took the child's life on Monday.

The signal about the incident came around 13:08 on August 18, when the boy and his mother Maria Daneva boarded the attraction's parachute. Upon reaching a height of about 50 meters, the child suddenly fell into the water, while his mother remained in the air. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts, Ivan did not survive.

Initial expert assumptions indicate that the main cause of the tragedy is a technical defect in the safety harness. The Regional Prosecutor's Office in Burgas ordered a detailed investigation, which includes underwater examination and technical expertise of the attraction equipment.

Ivan's mother recounted the emotional prehistory of the incident. The child had been insisting on trying the attraction for three years, with the family initially postponing due to his age. On the unfortunate day, they were second in line to board, after another family with a smaller child.

According to her words, no instructions were given, and the incident happened extremely quickly. "I heard two consecutive 'pop' sounds in a fraction of a second. First the left, then the right arm of the harness gave way, and my child flew down," shares the shaken mother.

The official page of the attraction indicates that parasailing is suitable for children over 3 years old. Nevertheless, the investigation will clarify all circumstances surrounding the technical condition of the equipment.

The Prosecutor's Office brought charges of involuntary manslaughter against three detained individuals - the boat captain, the sailor responsible for safety, and the manager of the water base. The exact technical reasons and possible safety gaps are yet to be established.

Divers will conduct a precise examination of the seabed, with their main goal being to find the torn buckles of the safety harness. Experts are doubtful about the suitability of the safety elements, which are likely old and worn.

The investigation continues in full force, with priority given to establishing the exact circumstances of this tragic death and potential responsibility of the personnel in charge of the attraction.