A family holiday turned into a nightmare for the Parris family from Birmingham when siblings Ameiya and Ricardo Junior drowned at Llarga Beach in Salou, Spain. The tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday evening as the children, aged 13 and 11, were caught in strong currents while swimming with their father, Ricardo Senior.

A Heartbreaking Loss

The siblings, affectionately known as Maya and Jubs, were described by their cousin Holly Marquis-Johnson as "bright and deeply loved children, taken far too soon." The family had been enjoying a holiday in the Catalan town when the tragedy struck. Their father, a construction worker, was also pulled from the water by emergency services after attempting to rescue his children. He was hospitalized with a concussion but has since been released.

Community Support and Fundraising Efforts

In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page set up by the family has raised over £30,000 to assist with the repatriation of the children's bodies to the UK. The children's aunt, Kayla Jasvinder Del-Brocco, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the public, which she said had moved the family to tears.

Safety Concerns and Official Responses

The incident occurred after lifeguards had completed their shifts for the day, raising questions about beach safety protocols. Local police chief José Luis Gargallo confirmed that emergency services were called shortly after 8:45 pm, but the siblings showed no signs of life upon being rescued. Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington, expressed her condolences, stating that the community felt the tragic loss deeply.

A Family's Unimaginable Grief

The children's parents, Ricardo Senior and Shanice Del-Brocco, are struggling to cope with the loss while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for their four younger children. "They're trying to stay strong and are telling everyone not to worry," said Ms. Del-Brocco. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed its support for the family and is in contact with local authorities.