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Before dawn this Wednesday, Rescue and Salvage technicians from the Comando 4 de Vista Alegre recovered the lifeless body of Daniel Vargas Cedeño, aged 23, along the coast of Chivirico, in the municipality of Guamá, Santiago de Cuba, bringing to a close a search that began on Tuesday afternoon.
The information was shared by Aris Arias Batalla on his Facebook profile, Provincial Head of Operations and Relief for the Red Cross in Santiago de Cuba.
Arias Batalla stated that the search was resumed early this Wednesday, "in areas of the Guamá coastline, specifically in the locality of Chivirico."
The celebration that turned into a tragedy
The accident occurred this Tuesday when a group of young people and teenagers celebrating a festive activity 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 prompt response of the ranch workers and others nearby came to the aid of the bathers, managing to rescue five injured individuals. However, one was carried away by the undertow, the sea current, and the bad weather."
A doctor, a nurse, and personnel from the public health area Giraldo Aporte Fonseca provided first aid.
Red Cross volunteers jumped 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 residents were able to rescue nine: "If it hadn't been for them, the tragedy would have been much greater."
A prohibited bathing area without effective supervision
Arias Batalla was emphatic about the responsibility of the authorities: “In this area, even the official authorities of the territory know that public bathing is PROHIBITED due to the risks, dangers, and vulnerabilities of the coastal environment.”
Arias Batalla concluded his publication with a direct call: the authorities must "double their efforts and preventive actions to continue raising awareness among the population and visitors about the imminent danger," and 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 citizens' indignation.
"That is not a beach. People are forced to swim and there are strong currents, plus the sea has been rough for many days," wrote a user.
Another person claimed: "The relevant authorities should install a permanent no-swimming sign in that area to prevent this type of accident."
There was also recognition for those who acted courageously: "We must acknowledge those young people who didn't think twice about saving 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, 35 years old, lost his life in the coastal area of El Sardinero.
A user reported 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 tragic." The accident occurs at the beginning of the summer season, a time when water-related accidents in Cuba historically increase.
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