Orphans of the sea

Incomplete · October 24, 2007

The three British holidaymakers who were swept to their deaths at sea as they tried to save their children lived in the same street.

Robert Fry, 53, and his wife Deborah, 49, died trying to save their children, nine-year-old George and Rosie, 11, from drowning. their best friend, mother-of-two Jean Dinsmore, 43, was also killed as she waded in to help off the coast of Portugal.

The frather of a German child joined in the rescue bid but died of a heart attack shortly after making it back to shore.

Seven youngsters had been playing in the water at Praia Do Tonel, in the resort town of Sagre, during a half-term break when they were hit by a large wave and swept into sea. The children all suffered minor injuries but survived, Several other holiday makers who tried to help also needed hospital treatment for minor injuries. Architect Mr Fry and his wife lived in the same street as Mrs Dinsmore and her husband, Roy, in Wootton bassett, Wiltshire. Neighbours of te Frys said they were 'two of the friendliest people' in the closeknit community. Fiona Shaw said: 'Bob and Deb were just a hard-working couple who did the best for their children.'

Mr Frys sister, Leslie, has flown to the Algarve to look after the children. Meanwhile, it was revealed yesterday that there were no lifeguards on duty when the tragedy happened on Monday as the beach shut for winter sex weeks ago. Local Maritime police commander Pedro Pereira said: 'Because summer season is concluded by Septermber 3, the Tonel beach is closed and there is no life-saving personnel. Reinforcing this, at the entry to the beach there is a sign to warn of this fact.'

Taken from The Metro Newspaper.

Your opinions?

I have experienced the Algarve water myself. It changes very quickly and drastically. One minute the water is as calm and as flat as bed linen, looking like silk waving around slightly. Next minute its monsterous waves that looks like mountains moving, smashing against the rocks. It could very easily take people from the beach and sweep them into the sea.

ThunderJam · October 24, 2007

Learn to swim :mellow:

I'm biased cuz I swim compe!@#$%^&*ively.

Edited October 24, 2007 by ThunderJam

Incomplete · October 24, 2007

You wouldn't be able to swim in these waters.

Russky · October 24, 2007

nearly drowned when i was little when you get swept up by the wave you cant really react in a normal non-panicking way so yeh i swim too... but poor guy that made it back and got killed by heart attack