Charlton family lose father, son and daughter in Spain drowning incident

A father who drowned along with two of his children in a pool in Spain on Christmas Eve was a Christian pastor who reports have suggested was unable swim.

Gabriel Diya, 52, his daughter Comfort Diya, nine, and his son Praise-Emmanuel Diya, 16, from Charlton, died in the triple tragedy at the Club La Costa World holiday resort on the Costa Del Sol.

Comfort is reported to have struggled in the pool before her brother and father jumped in, as they tried in vain to rescue her and themselves drowned.

Another daughter who was not in the pool at the time said none of the three were able to swim, Spanish police told the Spanish daily newspaper El Pais.

A neighbour of the family told the PA news agency she was “really devastated” to learn of the deaths, describing the Diyas as “very religious, very friendly, very humble”.

Mr Diya’s Facebook account lists him as a pastor at Open Heavens London, a Christian religious group with origins in Nigeria, based in Charlton.

Mr Diya was a pastor for the Redeemed Christian Church of God, whose office has now posted a tribute on its Facebook page: It said: “With heavy hearts, we extend our condolences to the family, parish, friends and associates of Area Pastor Gabriel Diya, who sadly passed away, along with two of his children … in a tragic incident while on a family holiday in Spain.

“At this very difficult time, our prayers are for Pastor Gabriel Diya’s family, the parishes that were under his supervision, friends, associates, members of RCCG and the general public.”

Neighbour in their street in Charlton, Lara Akins, 59, said: “I still can’t comprehend it, it’s still shocking.

“They are so nice, that is why everybody is shocked… we are very friendly with each other.”

Malaga’s Diario Sur newspaper said Comfort’s swimming cap was found in the pool’s suction system.

But inquiries have found “no concerns relating to the pool in question,” and the incident appears to be a “tragic accident”, according to hotel operator CLC World Resorts and Hotels.

In a statement the firm said: “The Guardia Civil have carried out a full investigation which found no concerns relating to the pool in question or procedures in place, which leaves us to believe this was a tragic accident which has left everyone surrounding the incident in shock.”

Local freelance journalist Gerard Couzens told the BBC the pool, at the resort near the town of Fuengirola, has since re-opened after being given the all-clear by Spanish police.

Pictured: The pool on the Costa Del Sol where three members of the family died