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A scuba diver, identified as Dennis Batista Leyva, died this Monday in the coastal area known as “El Sardinero,” a spot frequented by residents in Santiago de Cuba, but known for its dangers.
According to information obtained by journalist Yosmany Mayeta, the man, aged 35, dove alone to fish, as he usually did, but did not manage to return alive.
The body was later found by other fishermen in the area.
The victim's colleagues, due to the delay of the authorities and the absence of personnel from Legal Medicine well into the night -past 8:00 p.m.- were forced to preserve the body in a water pit to prevent decomposition.
Eyewitnesses report that the fisherman showed signs of having experienced a pressure imbalance, possibly from diving to great depths.
His body showed signs of bleeding from the nose and ears, indicating an internal collapse caused by the underwater environment.
The deceased was a resident in the area connecting the Alta Vista neighborhood with Micro 1A in the Abel Santamaría district. He lived with his children and partner and was very loved in the community. This Sunday, one of his children turns seven years old.
Dennis Bastista's mother, currently residing in Spain, has been notified and is expected to arrive in Santiago de Cuba in the coming hours to bid farewell to her son.
Pain and dismay among neighbors and fishermen
The news of the passing has shocked the community. Dozens of neighbors, friends, and fishing companions have flooded social media with messages of condolence, affection, and frustration.
"He was a hardworking, cheerful boy, loved by everyone and passionate about the sea," expressed one of the fishermen who participated in the rescue.
Another, moved, wrote: “Damn, ‘Chino’, I’m so saddened by this news. We were fishing brothers, I remember our last outing on El Colibrí. May God grant you glory.”
Many of the comments not only reflect sadness over the loss but also a veiled criticism of the circumstances that led him to the sea.
"Poor thing, he probably died trying to earn a few pesos to support his child," lamented an internet user.
Another wrote: “He is not the first to die there; that place should be forbidden. How many more lives have to be lost?”
Some, knowledgeable about underwater fishing activities, have emphasized that although the deceased was experienced, fishing alone exponentially increases the risks.
"It wasn't his day; he was a good diver, but down there, it doesn't forgive," a colleague commented.
A resident of Santiago summarized the tragedy: "The Sardinero has taken another one. How much longer are we going to keep ignoring the danger?"
A beautiful yet deadly area: official warnings
The death of this young man is not an isolated incident.
In mid-July, Aris Arias Batalla, provincial chief of Operations and Relief in Santiago de Cuba, issued a public warning about the eastern southern coasts of Cuba, highlighting the specific risks posed by areas such as Guamá, Baconao, and, by extension, similar regions like “El Sardinero.”
Among the main dangers highlighted by the specialist are:
-Strong rip currents that sweep swimmers or divers out to sea in just seconds.
-Irregular waves and sudden changes in depth.
-Rocky bottoms with sharp corals, which increase the likelihood of injuries.
-Volatile weather conditions that can change abruptly even on sunny days.
-Occasional presence of jellyfish and sharks, although attacks are rare.
Arias Batalla insisted on not swimming or fishing alone, avoiding immersion in adverse weather conditions, and above all, respecting the warnings from locals and authorities.
"These coastlines are beautiful, but their wild nature makes them risky if precautions are not taken," he emphasized.
The warnings arose in the context of multiple recent tragedies due to drownings, including the death of a teenager at the Chalons reservoir and another victim at Juraguá beach.
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