Tragedy of pool horror family
No evidence of injuries or poisoning in postmortems
THE British dad and two children who drowned in a pool at a Costa del Sol resort could not swim, relatives have told investigators.
Pastor Gabriel Diya, 52, and son Praise-Emmanuel, 16, died trying to save nine-year-old daughter Comfort after she got into difficulties.
Only Comfort had “some idea” how to swim, police were told.
Local reports claimed divers pulled a swimming cap from the drainage system of the pool at Club La Costa Resort near Fuengirola.
It came amid fears suction problems may have turned the pool into a death trap for the family in the Christmas Eve tragedy.
But police sources said they found no issue with the pumping system that could have endangered them.
Bosses yesterday got the all-clear to reopen the pool after a police probe found “no concerns” with it.
Postmortems found all three had drowned. Pathologists found no evidence of poisoning or any sign of external injuries.
PRAYERS
Widow Olubunmi Diya, 49, desperately prayed at the poolside as rescuers performed CPR on her husband and kids in a bid to save them. Surviving daughter Favour, 14, had tests after police were told she had been swimming with Comfort shortly before the tragedy.
A police source said: “Investigators have been told the three relatives didn’t know how to swim or didn’t swim very well. That information is coming from the older sister.
“Although there has been speculation about the pool pump system, investigators have found no evidence pointing to anomalies like increased suction pressure. The information coming from the family goes a long way to explaining this mystery.”
Neighbours in Charlton, South East London, paid tribute to the family. Pauline Hicks said Mr Diya was a pastor at a local church. She said: “The children were so respectful and lovely.
“He was very spiritual and would help anyone. He took up running. The dad was very fit, They were fit people.”
Lara Akins, 59, said they were “very friendly, very humble”. Resort chiefs said: “Club La Costa World resort continues to cooperate fully with authorities investigating this appalling tragedy.” Spanish police said the investigation continues.