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The Cuban Rayner Álvarez Borges, who passed away last Saturday while practicing spearfishing off the coast of Arona in Tenerife, Canary Islands, was remembered for his activism in support of Cuba's freedom.
The movement Somos+ mentioned on its Facebook profile that Rayner was its coordinator in Tenerife, Spain.
“Fly high, my brother, and when the light of #freedom shines on the horizon, that toast will be for you too,” they shared from the profile of that organization.
Somos + is a Cuban civic movement founded in 2013 by opposition figure Eliécer Ávila. It seeks to promote a democratic transition in Cuba through dialogue, education, and peaceful mobilization. Its main mission is to call upon "all Cubans who wish to participate in the beautiful and challenging adventure of helping to build a modern, prosperous, and free country," the organization states on its website.
The activist Lázaro Mireles, coordinator of the political platform Movement for Actions for Democracy, also spoke about the physical departure of this young Cuban, originally from the town of Cabaiguán in Sancti Spíritus.
"I still can't believe it, my little brother. We talked last week, making plans, full of life... Rest in peace, brother. We will achieve #freedom; you will see it from heaven," he wrote on Facebook.
Rayner was 42 years old at the time of his passing and was the father of a young boy. The Cuban was an experienced diver and had a passion for motorcycling and bodybuilding, according to his social media posts.
In an interview with the channel La Española, Rayner mentioned that he was an employee at a school in Cuba and that he had been separated from his career due to alleged ideological issues.
The Canary Islands press reported on the same Saturday the tragic incident in which the Cuban lost his life off the coast of Arona, in the southern part of the island of Tenerife. The information did not disclose Álvarez's identity, but CiberCuba confirmed that it pertains to the same fatal accident.
According to the Emergency and Security Coordination Center (CECOES) 112 of the Canary Islands, the incident occurred around 12:32 PM when an alert was received about a diver who had been rescued from the sea in critical condition and required medical assistance.
A dinghy transported him to shore, where personnel from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) found him in cardiac arrest and performed basic and advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers, reported the Europa Press agency.
Unfortunately, the efforts of the emergency teams were unsuccessful, and their passing was confirmed.
Friends of the deceased posted heartbreaking messages on social media mourning their passing and acknowledging their qualities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rayner Álvarez Borges and Safety in Underwater Fishing
Who was Rayner Álvarez Borges and what was his activism like for Cuba?
Rayner Álvarez Borges was a 42-year-old Cuban activist for the freedom of Cuba, who also coordinated the Somos + movement in Tenerife, Spain. He was remembered for his commitment to a free Cuba, in addition to being an experienced free diver and an enthusiast of motorcycling and bodybuilding. His passing occurred during a spearfishing activity on the coast of Arona, Tenerife.
What happened on the day Rayner Álvarez Borges passed away?
On December 10, 2024, Rayner Álvarez Borges passed away while practicing spearfishing off the coast of Arona, in Tenerife. He was rescued from the sea in critical condition and received cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but unfortunately, he did not survive. The incident was confirmed by the Emergency and Security Coordination Center (CECOES) 112 of the Canary Islands.
How has the Cuban community reacted to his/her death?
The Cuban community, especially friends and colleagues from the Somos + movement, have expressed their grief and condolences on social media. Rayner was remembered as a fighter for Cuba's freedom and a dear friend, which has sparked a wave of messages of sorrow and tribute in his memory.
What safety recommendations should be followed in scuba diving?
Underwater fishing is an activity that requires specific precautions to ensure safety. It is essential to have the appropriate equipment, such as wetsuits and fins, to receive proper training, and to always be accompanied by a diving partner. Additionally, one should inform someone about the location and plan of the activity, and be well aware of the sea conditions.
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