The picturesque coastal town of San Lorenzo al Mare in Imperia was the scene of a tragic incident that claimed the life of Paolo Allasia a celebrated designer known for his work in the yacht industry. The 48-year-old resident of Diano d’Alba lost his life on August 21, 2026 while attempting to rescue his two sons and two other teenagers from strong ocean currents.
The incident occurred in the late afternoon when four teenagers, including Allasia’s sons, ventured into the water despite the red flag warning of dangerous conditions. The strong currents quickly pulled them away from the shore, prompting Allasia and another father to enter the water in a desperate attempt to save them.
The Heroic Rescue Attempt
The four teenagers managed to reach safety, but Allasia, who had been clinging to a stand-up paddleboard began to struggle. A bagnino (lifeguard) who was off-duty and a German tourist bravely entered the water to assist him. They managed to bring Allasia ashore around 7:30 PM but despite extensive resuscitation efforts by the Croce Verde di Arma di Taggia an automedica (mobile intensive care unit), and an elicottero dei vigili del fuoco (firefighter helicopter), Allasia’s heart could not be restarted. He was pronounced dead at 8:01 PM.
A witness described the harrowing scene: “I saw people in the water. Four were closer to the shore, but one was further out. The waves were very high and coming quickly. A helicopter arrived and struggled to lower rescuers. They performed CPR on a man who was brought to the shore, but the rescue attempt was unsuccessful. The sea can be very dangerous when it’s like that. You shouldn’t be in the water.”
The Aftermath and Investigations
The Capitaneria di Porto (Port Authority) and carabinieri (military police) launched investigations into the incident. The Procura di Imperia (Public Prosecutor’s Office) ruled out any criminal liability, classifying the tragedy as a tragic accident. The off-duty lifeguard’s actions were commended for their bravery and selflessness.
The Comune di San Lorenzo al Mare (Municipality of San Lorenzo al Mare) expressed its deepest condolences: “Our community was shaken by a tragedy that occurred in our sea, on the western beach. He entered the water to help some boys, and there the effort, the fatigue, and the waves proved fatal. The mayor and the entire municipal administration join in the family’s grief and offer our most heartfelt condolences. It’s terrible to think that a day of vacation can turn into a terrible nightmare in an instant. The sea can sometimes be unforgiving.”
A Life Dedicated to Design
Paolo Allasia was a prominent figure in the design world, particularly known for his work in the yacht industry. He co-founded the Exe Design studio in Turin and coordinated projects for prestigious brands such as Azimut and AB Yachts. His expertise extended to the automotive and industrial sectors as well. Despite his professional success, Allasia remained deeply connected to his roots in Alba where he lived with his partner, Elisa and their two sons.
Allasia’s educational journey began in Diano d’Alba where he grew up. He later attended the Ied di Torino (European Institute of Design) to study Transportation Design. His funeral was held on August 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the parish of San Giovanni Battista a Diano d’Alba.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of the sea. What began as a day of leisure turned into a heartbreaking loss for the community and the design world. Paolo Allasia’s legacy as a dedicated father and a talented designer will be remembered by many.
