Former spy René González Sehwerert, who serves as the president of the Cuban Aviation Club (CAC), took to Facebook to address the official statement issued after the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy during a tandem paragliding flight on July 5th in Isla de la Juventud.
The young victim, identified as Alejandro from the Abel Santamaría neighborhood, lost his life when a sudden gust of wind pushed the paraglider out to sea, resulting in a water landing approximately 500 meters from the shore at MININT beach, an area known as Cayos Los Monos.
The Defense of Tandem Paragliding
In response to a user's inquiry about why a child was involved in such an activity, González defended the practice, stating, "This is the first fatality for the CAC in 15 years, during which time there have been 60,000 tandem parachute jumps, along with thousands of paramotor and paragliding flights, including those involving hundreds of minors."
Addressing Criticism of the Pilot
González also addressed critics who questioned the pilot's actions. When a user claimed that "the pilot prioritized his own life over the child's," González urged caution in passing judgment: "Releasing the harnesses is crucial to assist the passenger; otherwise, the equipment could drag both individuals. It's important to determine if all protocols were followed to ensure safety."
Timing of Accident Reporting
To another user who questioned the delay in reporting the accident, González explained that "it's necessary to report verified information; otherwise, confusion may arise."
Investigation and Condolences
The official CAC statement detailed that as the pilot attempted to release the harnesses in the water, he "lost control over the passenger, who vanished before the pilot could prevent it."
After more than 21 hours of intensive searching, the boy's body was discovered around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, as reported by NiO Reportando un Crimen, citing a source close to the family.
The CAC announced that a joint commission with the Cuban Civil Aeronautics Institute (IACC) would head to Isla de la Juventud this Tuesday to join the investigation and assess the legal, technical, and safety aspects of the flight.
The club concluded its statement by expressing condolences to the boy's family and assured that "the final results of the investigation will be disclosed once it is concluded."
Key Questions About the Paragliding Accident in Cuba
What caused the paragliding accident in Isla de la Juventud?
The accident occurred due to a strong wind current that carried the paraglider out to sea, resulting in a water landing.
Why was a 12-year-old involved in a tandem paragliding flight?
Tandem paragliding is a common activity offered by the Cuban Aviation Club, which has conducted thousands of such flights safely, including those involving minors.
What steps are being taken to investigate the accident?
A joint commission from the CAC and the Cuban Civil Aeronautics Institute is investigating the incident to assess its legal, technical, and safety aspects.