LIDO DEGLI ESTENSI, Italy – A wave of grief and shock has enveloped the community following the tragic death of Aymane, a 16-year-old who died Saturday afternoon while attempting to rescue two swimmers in distress off the Costa Ferrarese. The incident occurred in Lido degli Estensi.

The community of Castelnovo Bariano, where Aymane lived with his family after they emigrated from Morocco, is mourning the loss. “It is indeed news that deeply shaken and grieved us,” said Monica Ferraccioli, mayor of Castelnovo Bariano. “I do not personally know the family but they talk to me as good, polite people… Aymane in wanting to save human lives and people he didn’t even know.”

Valeria Mantovan, a councilor for Venetian education, hailed Aymane’s actions as “an example of courage and humanity,” while Pierluigi Negri, the mayor of Comacchio, emphasized his altruism.

The events leading up to the tragedy are under investigation by the Ferrara prosecutor, who is working with the Port Authority of Porto Garibaldi to determine if any negligence contributed to the incident. The attempted rescue occurred approximately 400 meters from the exit of the logonovo channel, which separates Lido Estensi and Lido Spina. Bathing is prohibited in this area due to dangerous currents, important depth changes, and boat traffic.

Two lifeguards on duty confirmed that the tourists were in the prohibited zone. “A man and a woman were in difficulty in the Logonovo channel,probably pushed by the current had arrived in an area where they did not touch.My colleague,” said Filippo Barillari, “He was alarmed and started with the skate, in the meantime a pedalò with the boys on board was nearby and one of them threw himself to try to save the couple, but the boy ended up underwater.” Moreno Uggeri, the other lifeguard, rescued the tourists and then returned to the sea upon learning that a third person was missing.

The Harbor Master’s Office interviewed several witnesses, including Aymane’s three friends who were with him on the pedal boat. One of the friends was in a state of shock. Another boy, who was wearing a life jacket, also jumped into the water but was able to return safely. Friends reported that Aymane was able to float but was not a strong swimmer.

Search Continues for Tourists, Investigation Ongoing

“Aymane in wanting to save human lives and people he didn’t even know.”

The couple who were rescued, described as a young man and woman between 20 and 30 years old, have not yet been located for questioning. “