VARADERO, Cuba – A Canadian died in Varadero, Cuba, Foreign Affairs confirmed to 680News.
Foreign Affairs would only confirm the death of a Canadian citizen but did not release a cause of death.
680News learned of a death after Kirk Nesbitt, the vice-president of engineering at Rogers Radio, witnessed a drowning at a beach on Thursday afternoon.
“There were quite a few people on the beach sunbathing but only one person in the water,” he said.
“Very shortly after we had arrived there, the fellow in the water started waving his arms and we could hear him yelling.”
“Three [lifeguards] went running into the water to go after him and the waves were quite high.”
“You could see him floating face down. The lifeguard had to give up and let go of him to get in safely himself. The other two lifeguards were never able to make it anywhere close to him,” he said.
According to Nesbitt, a Good Samaritan also went to the victim’s aid. The man, believed to be from Cuba, drowned.
Canadian consular officials in Varadero are working with Cuban authorities, according to reporter Cormac MacSweeney.
The identity of the tourist and province of origin have not been released. However, there are reports the victim is from Montreal.
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I knew the victim and his wife for a long time. They are both awesome people. Everyone from their home town are in shock. I myself cannot believe this and cannot understand why they could not have saved him. I will think twice before I go to these resorts again. Ever since I heard this I have been so sad n I just cannot believe it! HIs wife and family I can only say my heart and thoughts are with you all!!!
how horrible for everyone involved. i have to be careful when im there that i dont get all caught up the unreality of the beauty of cuba i often introduce myself to the lifeguard and ask them to keep their eyes on me when i swim alone
I was also at this resort when the drowning happened. Only a yellow flag was up, not a red flag. Further, the resort was ill-prepared for this type of tragedy as they had no floatation devices for their lifeguards, no ropes to pull anyone in and no access to a motor boat to try to go into the water the save the men. Further, once the men were pulled out of the water, their dead bodies were left on the beach for a number of hours before investigators showed up. It was just horrible.
The Cuban man (the good Samaritan) was not a lifeguard (as reported by some sources on the net) but on vacation with his wife. His wife was on shore by herself and watched her husband die in front of her.
Last night when I was on the bus going to the Varadero airport to go home, I spoke to some people from another hotel that reported that two people also drowned at their hotel on the same day (they say it was two people from Quebec). I can’t find the story on this drowning, only the one from our hotel.
This means that four people died that day.
My heart goes out to the families and to all of the people that had to watch helpless as this occurred.
I feel so bad for the families involved!
It is so sad and tragic that ‘we all’ love going away to some warm place for a break from our harsh winters, not knowing that we may never come back home….this was so unexpected
My heartfelt condolences and sympathy to both families involved – from Cuba and Montreal as well.
waiting for confirmation of where the person is from is not fun. I have 7 friends in cuba right now. Whoever it is my sympathies to the family members.
You are correct Robert, the undertow can seriously take your life away without notice. I was in Cancun last September and the undertow pulled me away suddenly as I was heading towards the shore (I was not far out mind you.) If was my first time at a resort and I did not know of undertow, The life guard on duty (who was a short man) was pointing sideways for me to swim perpendicular to get around the turbulent spot I was in. I am a good swimmer but I was exhausted from playing in the waters for an hour and was wondering when he was going to throw that orange rescue can (flotation device with rope). I started to wave my arms for help after struggling a bit and lucky for me a tourist came in to pull me out. He was a tall young guy and it turns out he was a life guard back in his homeland. He later complained the Mexican life guard did nothing and didn’t want to risk his life. If the rescue can was thrown to me in the first place, that would have helped in place of the good Samaritan who came in.
My condolences to the family of the two drowned men. Kudos to the life guards in Cuba who at least tried to do what they can.
Terrible tragedy. Bless the man who died trying to save him and the lifeguards who tried to help. Many tourists are not familiar with undertow and the dangers of them. Cuba this time of year is a hot spot for wind surfing because of the high winds and waves this time of year. I’ve been to Cuba many times and other sun destinations. Some people are reckless when it comes swimming out too far or snorkeling near exposed reefs where one big wave could cause serious injury. My condolences and heart goes out to the families affected.
God Bless the local Cuban who also lost his life trying to save him….
A terrible tragedy
Is this regarding the man that died in early January?
Hi PC. This story is about a man who drowned on Thursday afternoon.
About 18 years ago I was alone in Varedero for two week break, swimming near the lower end of the beach. I was not even 15 yds from shore when I realized that I was in trouble. I simply could not make any headway toward the beach! NO WAY!!! The waters wanted to send me off Florida-way.
I am partially handicapped – left leg — hip and knee replaced,but life-saving certified and still swim quite well.
I was splashing and yelling for all I was worth and starting to get more than little worried!
Obviously, I did not drown. Two young Lebanese guys from Toronto spotted me thrashing around – I had met them a few days earlier – they managed to get out to me and help me back to shore.
Thanks again guys!
I believe they were floor traders at the TSE!!
I was not far from shore, the water was not deep but too rough for me too handle.
So, everybody, be careful, very careful!