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Valencian Emergency Agency Retracts WhatsApp Alert of Four Drownings in Oliva

Local authorities report rescues with no deaths, highlighting the need to verify rapid official bulletins.

Overview

  • The Guardia Civil in Safor and the mayor of Oliva said the swimmers were rescued Saturday at Playa Aigua Morta with no fatalities.
  • CICU had informed journalists in a WhatsApp blast that a SAMU team confirmed four deaths, naming two minors aged 11 and 14, a 52-year-old woman, and an unidentified man.
  • Minutes later the agency deleted the message and apologized, saying an error was possible and the details were being checked.
  • Reports still note two 46-year-old men were taken to Hospital de Gandia with symptoms of drowning, and at least one minor received medical attention.
  • The incident shows how fast official alerts can travel in Spain, where 65 unintentional drownings were recorded in the Valencian Community in 2025 and 472 nationwide.