Mother's Anguish: Unresolved Tragedy Haunts Spanish Coast Guard

Barbate, Spain: A Mother's Plea for Justice One Year After Guardia Civil Tragedy A year after the tragic death of a Guardia Civil officer in Barbate, Spain, during a confrontation with narco-traffickers, his mother, Paqui Gómez, continues her fight for justice. The incident involved a small patrol boat confronting a much larger drug-smuggling vessel, resulting in the officer's death. Ms. Gómez's interview with Cadena COPE highlights the emotional toll on her and the lasting impact on her son's fellow officers. "They told my son, 'Get down and do what you can,'" Ms. Gómez recounts, her voice filled with grief. "He knew he was going to die. It was impossible for them to do anything against a 16 or 17-meter launch in a 5-meter zodiac with six Guardia Civil inside." Adding to the family's pain is the fact that the damaged zodiac boat, a constant reminder of the tragedy, remains at the pier where the officers work. Despite repeated requests from the officers, the boat has not been removed. This case underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the fight against drug trafficking and highlights the need for adequate resources and support for those who serve and protect.