Italian nautical designer Paolo Allasia dies at 48 during rough sea rescue in Liguria
Industrial and nautical designer Paolo Allasia died on 21 August after entering rough waters at San Lorenzo al Mare to rescue three children caught in strong sea currents.
The rescue attempt at San Lorenzo al Mare
Italian industrial and yacht designer Paolo Allasia died on Friday evening, 21 August 2026, after swimming out to rescue children in distress off the coast of western Liguria. The incident occurred in the waters off San Lorenzo al Mare, located in the province of Imperia, in the stretch between the beach volleyball jetty and Prima Punta beach. Allasia, 48, was vacationing in the Ponente area with his family and friends from his hometown of Alba. Conditions at the beach were hazardous, with strong currents and red flags posted along the shoreline to warn swimmers. Around 19:00, three children, including Allasia's two young sons and the child of his friend, drifted roughly 100 meters from shore on a board. Noticing that the children were unable to return against the current, Allasia entered the water to assist them.
Emergency response and recovery
The emergency alert was raised around 19:30, after the scheduled hours for mandatory municipal lifeguard surveillance had ended. Seeing Allasia experience severe physical distress in the water, an off-duty lifeguard and a German tourist swam through the heavy waves to reach him. The two rescuers pulled Allasia back to the shoreline, where bystanders immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Emergency teams from the 112 dispatch service, the Croce Verde of Arma, a specialized medical vehicle, and the Drago fire service rescue helicopter arrived at the beach shortly after. Despite extended resuscitation efforts by paramedic personnel, Allasia was pronounced dead around 20:00 from drowning.
- Three children drift roughly 100 meters offshore on a board and Allasia enters the water to help
- Distress alert is raised as Allasia struggles in the water outside regular lifeguard hours
- Emergency medical crews and helicopter personnel confirm Allasia's death following CPR efforts
Community reaction and judicial procedures
Judicial police inquiries into the incident were conducted on site by the Italian Coast Guard and the Carabinieri. Following an initial review, the duty magistrate at the Imperia Public Prosecutor's Office concluded that the death resulted from accidental drowning and authorized the release of Allasia's body to his family without ordering an autopsy. Mayor Enzo Mazzarese of San Lorenzo al Mare, who had been on the beach shortly before the accident, expressed condolences to the family on behalf of the municipal administration.
There was very rough sea, I was on the beach myself until shortly before. The red flag had been raised precisely because of the strong current. I know that several men, including an off-duty lifeguard, did everything they could to bring the 48-year-old to shore. Unfortunately, nothing could be done. It is a tragedy: it is terrible to think that shortly before they were on vacation, playing and joking, and that in a few moments everything turned into a nightmare. On behalf of myself and the entire municipal administration, I express the most sincere condolences and join in the family's grief.
Career in industrial and nautical design
Allasia was a recognized figure in Italian industrial design, based in the Piedmont region. He was a partner and co-founder of Exedesign, a multidisciplinary design studio headquartered in Turin. Over his career, he led several major product development projects and collaborated with Italian yacht builders, including Azimut Yachts and AB Yachts. He is survived by his two young children.
