The search for Francisco Ruiz, a sixty five year old man who went missing during a flood in Montserrat, continues as the Guardia Civil’s Special Underwater Activities Group has resumed operations in the Júcar River. This comes after previous searches identified deep areas along the river that had not yet been examined. The team is focusing on a two thousand square metre area around Algemesí.

Francisco Ruiz was swept away by floodwaters while attempting to save his grandchildren, managing to get them to safety before disappearing. Although legally declared deceased, authorities remain hopeful of finding his body among the rubble.

The search area presents challenges, with water depths reaching up to four metres. The team employs submerged ropes and buoy equipment to systematically comb through the terrain. They have even used a drone for assistance, although visibility factors limit technology usage in the river.

Pilar Bernabé, the Government delegate in Valencia, stated that searches for the three flood victims remain ongoing and assured that efforts have not ceased since the tragic event eight months ago. Bernabé emphasised their commitment to using all available resources, including the mobilization of the Military Emergency Unit, to facilitate the search for missing persons.