A BRIT was among two men who died trying to save two children in difficulty in the sea, an inquest has heard.
Bryn Thomas, from Southampton, Hampshire, is said to have died after running into the water in a bid to help the children, aged six and seven, along with others on the Costa Blanca on June 7.
At the opening of an inquest into the 52-year-old’s death in Winchester, area coroner Jason Pegg told the inquest that Mr Thomas had gone into the sea to help some swimmers who had got into difficulties.
However, he got into difficulties himself and later died.
The causes of death were given as encephalic anoxia and mechanical asphyxia due to submersion.
The full inquest will be heardnext year.
The tragedy happened at La Roqueta beach in Guardamar de Segura south of Alicante during gusting winds of up to almost 40mph.
Mr Thomas was reported to have died alongside a 46-year-old man, from Poland, after both children were saved.
Two other people were rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties following the incident.
The Spanish Civil Guard was quoted in reports saying: “Two people lost their lives. One was British and the other Polish.
“They were both trying to help two young children who were in difficulties in the sea. The sea conditions were pretty bad.”
The local mayor warned of the “strong dragging currents” in the area.
