Two 15-year-old adolescents died by drowning on Saturday in Besançon after an unauthorized swim in the Doubs River, the City Hall announced.
Firefighters reported that the two boys were pulled from the water in cardio-respiratory arrest at the Micaud Dam. One adolescent suddenly disappeared; his friend tried to rescue him and was also pulled under.
Witnesses jumped into the river to attempt a rescue. The victims were rushed to hospital. Besançon City Hall, led by Mayor Ludovic Fagaut, expressed condolences to the families and set up a psychological support unit.
The municipality reiterated the ban on swimming in the Doubs due to strong currents. During summer 2025, 409 people died by drowning in France, including 57 children and adolescents, according to Santé publique France.
