The individual who drowned Thursday morning at Siboney Beach in Santiago de Cuba has been identified by relatives as Enrique Tillán, approximately 53 years old.
Local journalist Yosmany Mayeta reported on his Facebook channel that forensic experts arrived at Siboney Beach in Santiago de Cuba after 4:00 PM. Since 10:00 AM, when the incident occurred, the deceased man remained on the sand with his face covered. "The gentleman's name was Enrique Tillán, and he worked at the Renté thermoelectric plant in the province," neighbors confirmed to the reporter.
A coworker described Tillán as a good friend and colleague. According to the report, the victim was a father to young women from the Altamira neighborhood who live abroad. One of his daughters, Yaimara Tillán, residing in the United States, expressed her grief in a heartfelt Facebook post.
"Daddy, why is life so unfair? You left me, and you didn't wait for me. Today, you broke my heart. I couldn't hug or kiss you. I had so much to tell you, but God called you. I can't find words to express how I feel. Rest in peace. I know you'll be in a better place, resting as you wanted. Someday I'll be with you. I will never forget you. I love you, DAD," she wrote.
The cause of Tillán's death is still under investigation. Mayeta had reported that Tillán was swimming with two other men and two women at the beach, despite rough sea conditions. After the incident, his body was placed on the sand, where it remained for hours awaiting the appropriate authorities.
Authorities Slow to Respond
In the afternoon, a small group of police officers was present at the scene, but no medical or forensic personnel had arrived, even though the incident occurred at 10:00 AM, Mayeta noted on his Facebook page.
This drowning case adds to a series of similar incidents in Santiago de Cuba over recent months. In August, a nine-year-old boy named Danger Curo Padilla drowned in the Chalons reservoir, the oldest dam in the country. The child was found lifeless after a desperate search by his family.
The province has seen an increase in drowning incidents at its beaches and reservoirs, some in areas not designated for recreational swimming. Additionally, a woman named Amarilis Asin Sosa died at Buey Cabón Beach, and in May, two young men drowned at Sardinero Beach.