An official note published by the Municipal Assembly of People's Power of Centro Habana confirmed that this Thursday a minor approximately 16 years old was swimming in the waters of the Malecón when “the force of the waves swept him away near the area of La Punta.”
The entity added that "from the moment the alert was issued, the rescue and salvage technicians entered the water to conduct a thorough search from the surface of the sea and inward, but no one was found."
The underwater search was decided to be expanded, with the support of border guard troops, but there were no results either.
"Given the current conditions of the sea, we were unable to continue the operation today," specified the official authority, who added that the search for the boy's body would resume on Friday morning.
The municipal Assembly of the People's Power stated that it is regrettable that such incidents occur, but reminded that it is a place that has “restrictions,” and is not “a suitable place for bathing.”
He emphasized that on the case of this Thursday, in addition, "the weather conditions were producing a violent swell that surpassed the wall of the seawall."
Images shared by the People's Power Assembly showed dozens of people gathered around the area where the incident occurred, as well as a patrol car, an ambulance, and members of the Rescue and Salvage team.
In addition to the Rescue and Salvage Team, the Fire Department, the Red Cross, and the emergency medical service SIUM, the main authorities of the Government of Havana and the municipality approached the site.
“They have been attentive to the actions and to the family of the minor”, concluded the official statement, which did not specify at what time the search for the minor's body will resume today.
This tragic event once again highlights the dangers of swimming at the Malecón under adverse weather conditions. Authorities have repeatedly emphasized the need to avoid such practices, as the strength of the sea can claim lives in a matter of seconds.
In 2023, the Malecón in Havana was the scene of a dramatic rescue when two young people saved two teenagers who were almost drowned due to the strong waves caused by adverse weather conditions.
Initially, it was reported that members of the Fire Department had rescued three minors who were swimming in the sea despite the bad weather.
However, videos recorded by witnesses showed how two citizens risked their lives to save the teenagers, before the official rescuers arrived.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Incident at the Malecón in Havana
What happened to the missing minor at the Malecón in Havana?
A 16-year-old boy, identified as Carlos Javier Sánchez, has disappeared while swimming in the waters of the Malecón in Havana. He was swept away by strong waves near the La Punta area. Search efforts have resumed, involving rescue teams and border guard troops, but so far, the boy has not been found.
Why is it dangerous to bathe in the Malecón of Havana?
The authorities insist that the Malecón in Havana is not a suitable place for swimming due to restrictions and adverse weather conditions. In this incident, the violent waves were surpassing the seawall, which increased the risk of swimming in that area. Despite the warnings, some young people challenge these conditions, which can have fatal consequences.
How have the Cuban authorities responded to the case of the missing minor?
The authorities have deployed rescue and salvage teams to search for the missing minor. The operation is supported by border guard troops and has expanded to include underwater searches. Additionally, the main authorities of the Government of Havana and the municipality have been kept informed of the actions and are in contact with the minor's family.
What other similar incidents have occurred on the Malecón in Havana?
In 2023, the Malecón in Havana was the site of a dramatic rescue when two young people saved two teenagers who were on the verge of drowning due to the strong waves. This type of incident highlights the dangers of swimming in the Malecón under adverse weather conditions, a practice that authorities have repeatedly discouraged.
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