As the days roll by, the families of the six students who died at Meco beach, Sesimbra, just before Christmas are starting to ask questions. And, according to Correio da Manhã newspaper, all their questions are directed at the sole survivor João Gouveia, 23, nicknamed ‘dux’ due to his top role in organising student high jinks.
“Dux” has refused up until now to speak of the tragedy, says the newspaper. Since giving a short statement to police in the early days, he has removed himself from the grieving families of his dead friends, and gone into hiding.
“Why doesn’t he show himself? Why doesn’t he speak?” The devastated grandmother of Loulé victim Andreia Revéz is quoted as saying.
“He doesn’t speak because he is frightened,” contends Nautília Revéz. “Something is wrong.”
Family doubts were raised particularly after the discovery of a text message between one of the victims and a friend. The friend had wished 22-year-old Joana Barroso a “great weekend”, and she had replied. “How fab. I will see if I survive.”
Just a tragic choice of words, or was there more to it? The question is at the root of parents’ agony.
Also confusing, explains Correio da Manhã, is the fact that none of the students took their mobile phones with them on the fateful night when they went down to Meco beach.
Why was the group dressed in traditional student robes? Why were they swallowed by the sea when their friend “Dux” was able to escape the force of the freak wave? Why was “Dux” the only one with a mobile phone on the beach, and why was it dry when inspected by police?
Another mystery weighs on family members: why had all the students packed their bags at the temporary accommodation where they were weekending, and why had the house been thoroughly cleaned?
“The young man is the key,” Francisco Barroso, the father of Joana told Correio da Manhã. “He should have spoken to us by now.”
The time for João Gouveia to speak is fast approaching. He will soon face questions from Maritime Police on the request of the Public Prosecutor, and as part of the ongoing investigation into the multiple tragedy at Meco – a beach known for its treacherous conditions.
Catarina Soares, 22, Andreia Revéz, 21, Carina Sanchez, 23, Joana Barroso, 22, Tiago André Campos, 21, and Pedro Tito Negrão, 24, all died on December 15.
