Colombia: Man dies attempting to rescue friend from drowning

A 22-year-old man, identified as Elías Rafael Pitalúa Peralta, died by drowning in Puerto Colombia, within the Barranquilla Metropolitan Area, while attempting to save a friend.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday during a birthday celebration. Despite warnings from police officers to exit the water due to nighttime restrictions, a group of friends entered the sea near Muelle 1888. When one individual began to drown, Pitalúa jumped in to assist. Although he successfully brought his friend toward the shore, he was subsequently swept away by the current.

Emergency services located his body several hours later in a different area of the beach. Linda Goenaga, coordinator of the Puerto Colombia Lifeguard Corps, urged the public to respect beach hours and avoid life-threatening behaviors.