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Before dawn on this Wednesday, Rescue and Salvage technicians from the Comando 4 de Vista Alegre recovered the lifeless body of Daniel Vargas Cedeño, aged 23, on the coast of Chivirico, in the municipality of Guamá, Santiago de Cuba, bringing an end to a search that began on Tuesday afternoon.
The information was shared by Aris Arias Batalla on his Facebook profile, Provincial Chief of Operations and Relief of the Red Cross in Santiago de Cuba.
Arias Batalla stated that the search resumed early Wednesday, "in areas of the Guamá coastline, precisely in the locality of Chivirico."
The celebration that turned into tragedy
The accident occurred this Tuesday when a group of young people and teenagers celebrating a festive event in the Cupet area of Guamá decided to venture into the sea despite the adverse conditions.
According to Arias Batalla:
"Suddenly, the celebration turned into a tragic accident. The quick response of the ranchón workers and other individuals rushed to assist the swimmers, managing to rescue five injured people. However, one was carried away by the undertow, the rough sea, and the bad weather."
A doctor, a nurse, and staff from the public health area Giraldo Aporte Fonseca provided first aid.
Red Cross volunteers plunged into the water to locate the missing person, but the search was suspended due to darkness and resumed at dawn on Wednesday.
According to comments on social media, out of ten people who entered the sea, locals and young people managed to rescue nine: "If it hadn't been for them, the tragedy would have been much greater."
A bathing area prohibited without effective supervision
Arias Batalla was emphatic about the responsibility of the authorities: “In this area, even the official authorities of the territory are aware that public bathing is PROHIBITED due to the risks, dangers, and vulnerabilities of the coastal environment.”
Arias Batalla concluded his publication with a direct appeal: the authorities must "redouble efforts and preventive actions to continue raising awareness among the population and visitors about the imminent danger," and he extended his condolences to the family, friends, and neighbors of Daniel Vargas Cedeño, a resident of the Reparto Santa Bárbara in Santiago de Cuba.
The comments on social media reflected the public's outrage.
"That is not a beach. People are forced to bathe there, and there are strong currents; moreover, the sea has been choppy for many days," wrote a user.
Another person stated, "The authorities must place a permanent no-swimming sign in that area to prevent this type of accident."
There was also recognition for those who acted with bravery: "We must acknowledge those young people who did not hesitate to save others. One of them even received thanks from a survivor."
A pattern that repeats along the Santiago coast
The case of Daniel Vargas Cedeño is not an isolated incident.
In May 2024, two young people drowned at Sardinero beach, also in a prohibited bathing area. In August of that year, a woman lost her life at Buey Cabón beach, in the same municipality of Guamá.
In September 2024, a man drowned at Siboney beach. And in October 2025, the fisherman Dennis Batista Leyva, age 35, died in the coastal area of El Sardinero.
A user pointed out that this was the second fatal case in two days: "Unfortunately, this is the second case in two days. A young man drowned in a river after leaving a party, and now this. How sad." The accident occurs at the beginning of the summer season, a time when water accidents in Cuba historically increase.
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