Fabiola Mbulito, a 12-year-old player for Club Baloncesto Islas Canarias, has drowned at La Laja beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The young girl, who had been called up this summer for the Spanish U12 national team, was swept away by a current.
La Laja beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was shrouded in mourning this weekend following the death of Fabiola Mbulito, a 12-year-old girl who was one of the great promises of Canary Islands basketball. The young girl, who played for Club Baloncesto Islas Canarias, lost her life after being swept away by a current while swimming in the area.
According to sources from the emergency services, the incident occurred when two minors, an 11-year-old boy and Fabiola herself, were caught by the strong waves and currents that characterise this capital beach. Red Cross personnel managed to rescue the boy, who is now out of danger, but they could not locate the girl in time.
The search operation was immediately activated and involved the helicopter from the Emergency and Rescue Group (GES), Maritime Rescue, the Civil Guard, firefighters from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, personnel from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC), as well as agents from the National and Local Police. Despite the deployment, Fabiola's body was found lifeless hours later.
The news has shocked the world of basketball in the Canary Islands and nationally. Fabiola Mbulito had been called up to debut this summer with the Spanish women's U12 national team, a milestone that reflected her talent and potential. The Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB), the ACB, the Canary Islands Basketball Federation, and numerous clubs have expressed their sorrow and extended their condolences to the family and friends of the young athlete.
“It is difficult to find words in the face of such a tragedy. My love and condolences to her family, her friends, her teammates from Spar Gran Canaria, and the entire family of Canary Islands basketball,” wrote the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, on his social media.
La Laja beach, located in the municipality of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is known for its dangerous currents and often has a red flag on days with strong waves. Despite warnings, bathers often venture into the water, which has led to multiple incidents in the past. Authorities remind the importance of respecting the signs and exercising caution at this and other beaches along the Canary coastline.
The Club Baloncesto Islas Canarias, where Fabiola played, has issued a statement expressing its “deep sorrow” over the loss of a player “full of hope and future.” The club has announced that it will hold a minute of silence at its next match as a tribute to the young promise.
The tragedy has reopened the debate on safety at Canary Islands beaches, especially those with treacherous currents. Red Cross and Maritime Rescue insist on the need for heightened vigilance and that bathers, especially minors, do not stray from the shore without supervision.
The City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has declared an official day of mourning and has shown its solidarity with the family of the young girl. In the coming days, a tribute event is expected to take place at La Laja beach, where neighbours and Fabiola's companions will be able to bid her farewell.
Fabiola Mbulito, who dreamed of becoming a professional player, leaves an indelible void in Canary Islands basketball. Her name joins the sad list of drowning victims along the archipelago's coasts, a problem that claims dozens of lives each year. Authorities remind that prevention is the best tool to avoid new tragedies.
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