Overview
- The 54-year-old, identified as Gennaro Cagnazzo of Sanarica, swam out near the Atlantis lido in Otranto to rescue his eight-year-old twin sons and brought them back to shore before collapsing.
- Rescuers and emergency teams attempted resuscitation on the beach but were unable to revive him and he was later pronounced dead.
- Port Authority personnel and the Carabinieri attended the scene and the on-duty deputy prosecutor, Alessandro Prontera, ordered the body released to the family.
- An autopsy has been scheduled to establish the cause of death and to clarify whether physical exertion or a preexisting condition played a role.
- The incident took place on Saturday, July 4, during a weather alert for strong mistral winds that had made sea conditions hazardous and may prompt tighter local warnings for swimmers.