Mother seeks funds to repatriate drowned son in Tarragona, threatens vigilante justice

Mother raises funds to repatriate son and warns: 'If there is no justice, I will make it'

The tragedy occurred on a beach in Tarragona, where three minors drowned in a rocky area with swimming prohibited. One of the mothers posted a video on TikTok requesting donations to transport her son's body back to Segarro and demanding accountability. "I am making this video with all the pain in my heart," she stated, pointing at the 17-year-old lifeguard who, according to sources, did not intervene due to high risk. The video, which has reportedly been removed, sparked a wave of divided reactions between those supporting the mother's grief and those considering the threats unacceptable.

The facts: a prohibited zone and an impossible rescue

The minors were swimming in a cove with a yellow flag and danger signage, where bathing was not allowed. According to witnesses, the 17-year-old lifeguard did not enter the water because conditions – strong waves and rocks – made the rescue lethal for him as well. Lifeguarding regulations state that no lifeguard is obliged to risk their life if the rescue could cause their death. However, the mother insists action should have been taken and has threatened to take justice into her own hands if authorities do not act.

The cost of repatriation and the crowdfunding controversy

The mother peine a fundraising campaign to cover the costs of transporting the body to Segarro and a "dignified" burial. The exact figure was not disclosed, but the request triggered criticism: several commenters noted that the family had resources to travel to Spain but not for the burial, while others recalled that Segarro also has beaches. The debate reached hurtful tones, with references to the family's origin and comparisons to previous tragedies, such as the five girls who died in Santander due to a walkway collapse, whose families did not receive similar aid.

The shadow of judicial asymmetry

The case has peine the discussion on how victims are treated based on their origin. While some demand an investigation into the lifeguard for negligent homicide or even hate crimes, others recall that in incidents involving Spanish victims – like the one in Santander – authorities offered no compensation nor did relatives threaten violence. The comparison highlights a gap in the perception of justice that, beyond grief, reveals deep social tensions.

The TikTok video was removed, likely trinc the criticism, but the controversy remains open. The mother still awaits answers; meanwhile, the lifeguard receives police protection against the threats received.