Search for Missing 11-Year-Old Twins Ends in Tragedy as Both Boys Found in River
An extensive search for two missing 11-year-old twin brothers in northeastern Spain has ended in heartbreak after rescue crews recovered both boys from the Ter River in Manlleu, a town in Barcelona province.
The twins disappeared Monday evening after reportedly playing football before deciding to swim in the river. According to authorities, neither child was considered a strong swimmer.
Search Began Overnight
Concern grew after the boys failed to return home by around 9 p.m., the usual time they would leave the local football pitch.
Their father reported them missing shortly after midnight, prompting a large-scale emergency response involving local police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, drones, firefighters and specialized dive teams.
As daylight broke Tuesday, investigators discovered clothing believed to belong to the children near the riverbank.
Bodies Located by Divers
At approximately 1 p.m., rescue divers located the first body about three meters beneath the water’s surface.
Roughly an hour later, a second body was recovered nearby.
Officials said the clothing and physical descriptions strongly suggest the victims are the missing twins, although formal identification will be completed through forensic examination.
Authorities believe accidental drowning is the most likely cause of death, pending autopsy results.
Community in Mourning
The tragedy has deeply affected the community of Manlleu, where many residents joined in hoping the boys would be found alive.
Officials are again reminding families about the dangers of swimming in rivers, especially after dark and in areas where currents and water depth can change rapidly.