Authorities from the Aquatic Rescue Group of the Navarra Fire Department recovered the body of a 68-year-old man around 19:00 after he went missing while swimming near a relative along the Irat river in the Foz de Lumbier area of Navarra. The incident prompted immediate coordination among regional emergency services, underscoring the swift mobilization that follows inland water rescues in this part of the country. The regional SOS Navarra Emergency Management Room was alerted to the event at 4:31 PM, triggering a rapid response that saw the Sangüesa fire station, the Aquatic Rescue Group (GRA), and patrol units from the Provincial Police, in addition to Civil Guard personnel, descend on the scene to assist with the search and recovery operations. This multi-agency response reflects standard operating procedures designed to ensure a thorough and safe resolution in aquatic settings.
The afternoon search was conducted by four GRA divers who executed a systematic sweep along a known stretch of the river, pinpointing a section near the first tunnel of La Foz. They began at the last point where the man was observed and proceeded to methodically assess the channel for signs of the missing swimmer. The divers located the body in the middle of the river channel at a depth of roughly two meters, in an area close to the designated call point for emergency responders. The deceased is identified as a 68-year-old man who had been spending Sunday afternoon with relatives in Foz de Lumbier, making the incident particularly poignant for the local community. This careful recovery effort emphasizes the dangers that can accompany river activities even in seemingly calm conditions, and highlights the importance of coordinated water safety measures.
The next phase involves formalizing the case at the Navarro Forensic Medicine Institute, where an autopsy will determine the official cause of death. Investigators from the Pamplona Foral Police Station, along with the Forensic Police team, are responsible for leading the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Their work will focus on gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing environmental factors that may have contributed to the drowning. The aim is to provide clarity for the family and to inform future safety guidelines for river users in this region.
In addition to the divers, the response included two Citizen Security patrols, a perimeter security unit, and members of the Provincial Police Drone Group who joined the Pamplona outpost team. The deployment of drone capabilities enhances aerial situational awareness, allowing officers to map the area, track movements along the riverbanks, and support the dive teams with real-time information. This incident highlights how modern coastal and riverine operations rely on a blend of traditional policing and advanced technology to protect communities and coordinate rescue efforts efficiently. [citation: Navarra Safety and Emergency Management Authority; local law enforcement sources]