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Mothers comfort drowning family Family visits scene of drowning
(about 5 hours later)
Relatives of a Shropshire man who drowned while trying to rescue his sons from the sea in Spain have flown out to be with his widow. Relatives of a man who drowned trying to save his sons from the sea in Spain have flown out to be with his widow.
Symon Howlett was taking photographs of his two sons on rocks in the town of Tossa de Mar, on the Costa Brava, when a large wave knocked them into the sea. Symon Howlett, 32, from Shropshire, was taking photos of his two sons on rocks in Tossa de Mar, on the Costa Brava, when a wave knocked them into the sea.
Mr Howlett, from Market Drayton, pulled his elder son Thomas from the water but could not save five-year-old Jay. Mr Howlett, from Market Drayton, pulled nine-year-old Thomas from the water but could not save Jay, who was five.
The mothers of both parents have now gone to Spain to comfort the pair. The mothers of both parents have arrived in Spain to comfort Thomas and his mother Debbie.
Mr Howlett's wife Debbie saw the whole tragedy unfold. Brenda Howlett and Lynda Kiely went to the Tossa Beach Hotel, where Mr Howlett's widow and son are still staying.
'Help and assistance' 'Eerie silence'
Floral tributes have been placed on the rocks where Wednesday's fatal accident occurred.
One message left at the spot said: "A tragic day - our thoughts are with you and the family at this sad time."
I know Jay was a big United fan and our thoughts go out to Deborah and Thomas for their terrible loss Sir Alex Ferguson
A collection set up at the hotel, where the Howletts have stayed since Sunday, has raised 400 Euros (£288).
A couple staying there with their three children said: "There's an eerie silence around the hotel now. People are getting really upset about what happened and it is very much on everyone's mind."
Both Jay and his brother played for Tiny Tigers, part of Market Drayton Tigers Junior Football Club, and had worn Manchester United shirts for a team photograph.
The grandmothers arrived in Spain to comfort Debbie and Thomas
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said the club was shocked at the deaths.
"I know Jay was a big United fan and our thoughts go out to Deborah and Thomas for their terrible loss," he said.
"To lose loved ones is always traumatic but Symon was just 32 and Jay five. We all hope they will be able to find strength at this awful time."
A special assembly was taking place on Friday at Market Drayton Infants School, where Jay was a pupil.A special assembly was taking place on Friday at Market Drayton Infants School, where Jay was a pupil.
Head teacher Margaret Malcolm described the youngster as a "happy, lively and bright boy" and said it would take everyone a long time to come to terms with the deaths of Jay and his father.
Edward Edge, head teacher of Market Drayton Junior School, attended by nine-year-old Thomas, said: "The family will be given as much help and assistance as we can possibly give them."Edward Edge, head teacher of Market Drayton Junior School, attended by nine-year-old Thomas, said: "The family will be given as much help and assistance as we can possibly give them."
Mr Howlett, 32, clung to a buoy with Jay after being swept out to sea, but rough conditions stopped rescuers reaching them on Wednesday morning.Mr Howlett, 32, clung to a buoy with Jay after being swept out to sea, but rough conditions stopped rescuers reaching them on Wednesday morning.
A coastguard helicopter and lifeboats were deployed to save the pair whose bodies were later pulled from the water 30m (98ft) from the beach, which is just north of Barcelona. Mrs Howlett saw the whole tragedy unfold and comforted Thomas as rescue teams tried to recover the bodies of his brother and father.
Debbie Howlett's brother, Martin Kiely, told BBC News he wanted to thank everyone for their support after the accident.