‘Better safety for River Algar’ call after three deaths in 10 days

BOLULLA and Callosa want improved safety measures for the upper reaches of the River Algar.

The mayors from town halls are due to meet officials from the Confederacion Hidrografica del Jucar, which is responsible for all waterways in the area, and representatives from the central government’s Delegation.

Although warning notices exist in the area, both municipalities want the zone cordoned off whenever there is a significant rise in the Algar’s level as happened during the recent storms, Bolulla’s mayor, Adrian Martinez, confirmed to the local media

Three people died in two accidents earlier this month in the Estret de les Penyes near the river’s source, which is located in Bolulla but is accessible from Callosa.

A 24-year-old died on April 17 when his body was swept downstream after falling from one of the Algar’s waterfalls.  Previously, on April 8, a 31-year-old woman, one of a group of six, and the party’s 43-year-old guide, were drowned after falling into the swollen river as they took photographs for an advertising spot.

“If people want to visit this part of the river, they should choose a supervised area and not take chances,” Adrian Martinez said.

“They need to go with experts, when the water level is low and not when the river is in full spate.”