The bodies of a 14-year-old boy and his 35-year-old relative, both from the town of Septemvri, were found in the area of the South Port in Nessebar, after they were dragged by a rip current into the agitated sea. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday afternoon and prompted a large-scale rescue operation, which was seriously hampered by the bad weather conditions.
Currently, a police investigation is being conducted at the site where the bodies were discovered. After its completion, the bodies will be transported for an autopsy to the Forensic Medicine Department at UMBAL - Burgas, to determine the exact causes of death.
According to initial information, the two victims were part of a larger group. Although a red flag, signaling danger, was raised on the beach, and despite repeated warnings from the lifeguards, the group decided to enter the water.
Four of the men who were with them managed to get to the shore, but the 14-year-old boy and his 35-year-old relative fell victim to the treacherous rip current, which dragged them deep into the sea.
Search and Rescue Operations
The intensive search operations were hindered by the rough sea, strong wind, and high waves, which further complicated the situation. Numerous specialized teams joined the large-scale operation. A drone from the Regional Directorate "Border Police" (RDGP) Burgas was used, as well as the integrated system of the "Border Police" for surveillance and rescue. Teams from the Marine Rescue Center, a patrol boat, and an on-duty border police ship also came to assist.
A pre-trial investigation has been initiated into the case, which will investigate all circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. This case once again raises the question of the importance of following lifeguards' instructions and beach signaling, which are intended to prevent such tragedies and ensure the safety of vacationers.