Cuban lifeguard dies after saving four Russian tourists

November 26, 2020

A young Cuban lifeguard who worked at a tourist facility in Jardines del Rey, Ciego de Ávila, died after rescuing four Russian tourists from drowning while they were on vacation at this tourist destination. Darián Oscar Leonard Pino was 34 years old and worked as a rescuer at the Tryp hotel in Cayo Coco. He is survived by his parents and two younger brothers.

Javier Rodríguez Duarte announced the death of the Cuban lifeguard on FB, who allegedly was staying at the Tryp Cayo Coco hotel, located in the paradisiacal cays of the Island.

The death of the Cuban lifeguard allegedly occurred on November 18, when apparently the Russian tourists were swimming on the beach at Jardines del Rey, in Ciego de Ávila and were caught by "strong waves" which required the intervention of the young man, who although he was able to save the foreigners, was unable to save himself from the waves.

"On November 18, 2020, this young lifeguard from the Tryp Cayo Coco hotel in the Melia Jardines del Rey cays gave his life to save 4 Russian clients," commented Rodríguez Duarte. The rescuer, a worker at the Tryp Cayo Coco Hotel, jumped into the water to rescue four visitors of Russian nationality, who had been swept away by the ocean current and bad weather. Unfortunately, the young man ended up being swept away by the very waves that carried him out to sea.

He noted that at that moment there was bad weather on the beach that "swept him away" and the strong waves "took him out to sea, ending his life."

The authorities of Ciego de Ávila nor the managers of the tourist center have offered any information about this.

Many Cubans expressed their condolences upon hearing the news and sent condolences to the family of the Cuban lifeguard.

"That cay has claimed many lives. Strength to family and friends, another young life. Rest in peace, sad news," says Yaiselin Ferenández. "What sad news for his family. He was just a child, I'm very sorry for your loss, he was very brave, may God have him in his glory," assures another.