Man Drowns in Contaminated Río de la Plata Despite Prohibition
Under the warm sun and a cloudless sky on a Sunday afternoon, the Río de la Plata claimed the life of a man who ventured into its murky waters, despite the long-standing prohibition due to severe contamination. The tragedy unfolded at the Paseo de la Costa in Vicente López.
Prohibition in Place Since 1975
A 50-year-old ban on bathing in the river remains in effect across various districts, including Vicente López, due to the high levels of pollution and lack of safety infrastructure. However, many still disregard the prohibition, as evidenced by the incident. The victim, a man in his 40s, was found unconscious in the river with an adolescent girl, who was later rescued and hospitalized. They were accompanied by the man’s partner and two minors.
Witnesses DescribeScene
Witnesses reported that the man was quite far into the river when he started struggling and drowning. The girl, who managed to swim back to shore, was crying for help. Passersby tried to revive the man using CPR, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The woman was reportedly taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
Authorities Investigate
The cause of the accident is still under investigation. The man’s body remained on the shore for more than two hours as authorities worked to secure the area and gather evidence. The Paseo de la Costa, which stretches from Hipólito Yrigoyen to the Avenida General Paz, offers various recreational activities, but signs clearly warn bathers about the dangers of entering the Río de la Plata.
Río de la Plata: A Polluted Estuary
The Río de la Plata, formed by the convergence of the Uruguay and Paraná rivers, receives a mix of untreated sewage, industrial waste, and petroleum residues from both local and international sources. Its status as an estuary makes it particularly vulnerable to these pollutants, which pose significant health risks to anyone coming into contact with its waters.
The municipality of Vicente López, along with various organizations, has repeatedly warned against entering the river due to the high levels of contamination and the lack of safety measures, such as guardrails and lifeguards. Unfortunately, this tragic incident underscores the importance ofheededing these warnings.
Story provided by Luján Berardi
