Fabiola Mbulito, a 12-year-old basketball player for Club Baloncesto Islas Canarias, died by drowning at La Laja beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, according to local reports and official statements from Spanish basketball governing bodies. The athlete had been called up this summer to debut with the Spanish women’s under-12 national team.
Emergency response at La Laja beach
The incident occurred at La Laja, a beach known for dangerous currents. Red Cross personnel successfully rescued an 11-year-old boy during the event, but Mbulito was swept away by the water. Despite a massive search and rescue operation, emergency services were unable to save the 12-year-old player.
The rescue effort involved a coordinated deployment of multiple agencies. According to official reports, the operation included a helicopter from the Emergency and Rescue Group (GES), Salvamento Marítimo, the Civil Guard, and firefighters from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Personnel from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC), as well as National and Local Police agents, also participated in the search.
Impact on Spanish and Canarian basketball
The death of Fabiola Mbulito has caused widespread grief across the Spanish basketball community. Because of her talent and recent selection for the national under-12 team, she was regarded as a rising promise within the sport.
The Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB), the ACB (Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto), and the Canary Islands Basketball Federation issued statements lamenting the “tragic passing” of the young athlete and extending their condolences to her family and friends.
Official reactions and condolences
Fernando Clavijo, the President of the Canary Islands, expressed his consternation via social media. Clavijo stated that it was “difficult to find words before a tragedy like this,” offering his support and condolences to Mbulito’s family, friends, her teammates at Spar Gran Canaria, and the broader basketball community in the Canary Islands.
The loss is felt specifically within the youth ranks of the Canary Islands, where Mbulito represented one of the region’s most promising young talents before her untimely death.
Official updates regarding memorial services or tributes from Club Baloncesto Islas Canarias are expected as the community mourns the loss of the young player.
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