Tamarin: Marise Figaro, 83, Drowns; Son Criticizes Slow Emergency Response

A family outing turned tragic. On Monday in Tamarin, 83-year-old Marise Figaro lost her life after drowning in the lagoon. However, beyond the tragedy, her son, Benny, highlights the slow response of the emergency services.

The day before, the family had set up camp to enjoy the weekend. The next day, they headed to the beach. Marise Figaro entered the water, and then everything changed.

"We lost sight of her. Then we saw her struggling in the water. We pulled her out. She was conscious," her son recounts.

Hope was still alive. But the long minutes dragged on...

According to Benny, it took over an hour for a private ambulance, requested by the police, to arrive at the scene. In the meantime, the elderly woman's health worsened.

By the time help arrived, it was already too late. The doctor could only confirm her death.

The autopsy determined asphyxiation due to drowning.

Marise Figaro, a resident of Vacoas, had lived in France for many years before returning to Mauritius after 2010. In retirement, she fully enjoyed life and actively participated in activities at a retirees' club. She had lost her husband in 2021.