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Date Published: 07/09/2026

British tourist drowns after jumping from ferry off Tarragona coast

The 45-year-old jumped into the sea with his brother to swim to a beach bar shortly before the ferry reached Salou

Playa de Cambrils

A 45-year-old British tourist has drowned after jumping into the sea from a ferry travelling between Cambrils and Salou on the Tarragona coast.

The man had been travelling with his parents and his 42-year-old brother when the two men jumped from the vessel shortly before it was due to reach Salou. They reportedly intended to swim to the beach, where their parents were planning to meet them at a beach bar.

According to reports, the brothers had been drinking and had caused a disturbance at the port in Cambrils before boarding the 5.30pm ferry, which was making its final return journey of the afternoon. Once on board, they asked for more beer but the captain refused to serve them.

The two men subsequently decided to leave the ferry before it reached the port and jumped into the water through a window. Their parents reportedly told the crew that both men were strong swimmers, but while the younger brother managed to reach the shore, the 45-year-old struggled and drowned.

Other passengers alerted the crew at around 6.41pm, triggering an emergency response and a search for the men in the water. Maritime Rescue teams were sent to the area, but the older brother was eventually found dead.

The Guardia Civil's Judicial Police Unit in Tarragona took over the investigation, with Mossos d'Esquadra officers securing the area. A forensic doctor authorised the removal of the body at around 9.25pm.

The man's parents, who had remained on board the ferry, were taken aside for questioning after the vessel reached Salou marina and were informed of their son's death. Psychological support was subsequently arranged for the family.

The ferry was cleared to return to Cambrils after authorities determined that it had not been responsible for the incident, while a post mortem will establish the exact cause of the man's death.

The drowning is the 14th recorded along the Tarragona coastline this summer and the first in the province during September.

Image: Google Maps

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