A mother who lost her husband and two children in an accident at a Spanish resort says she believes "something was wrong with the pool" in which they drowned, making it difficult for them to swim.

Olubunmi Diya said her husband Gabriel Diya, 52, son Praise-Emmanuel, 16, and daughter Comfort, nine, all knew how to swim - contrary to some reports.

The three died on Christmas Eve at Club La Costa World in Fuengirola, on Spain's Costa del Sol.

Mrs Diya said in a statement released to Sky News: "I believe something was wrong with the pool that must have made swimming difficult for them at that point in time."

Hotel operator CLC World Resorts and Hotels said in response: "Diligent and exhaustive police investigations into this tragedy have confirmed that the pool was working normally and there was no malfunction of any kind.


"Our sympathies remain with the family at what we understand must be a stressful and desperately upsetting time for them."

Mr Diya's Facebook account describes him as a manager of Open Heavens London, a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, based in Charlton, southeast London.

Another daughter was reportedly on holiday with the family but not harmed.

Mrs Diya said: "Our family are utterly heartbroken by the events last Tuesday, but we are comforted and strengthened by our strong faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

"We are deeply shocked, saddened and struggling to come to terms with their passing.

"They all brought a joy and love to the world and to everyone that crossed their path.

"We love them all dearly, will always remember them in our hearts and miss them greatly."

Mrs Diya also said the family wished to clarify some details of what had happened following "inaccurate information" being made public.

She said the three who died knew how to swim.

Mrs Diya added: "The whole family, all five of us went to the pool together and were all present when the incident occurred.

"The children were not left unattended.

"We followed the instructions displayed by the poolside at all times.

"The children went into the pool using the steps but found themselves dragged into the middle, which was deeper and called for help when they could not get out.

"My daughter did not fall into the water.

"My husband went in via the steps trying to help the two struggling while I ran to the nearby apartments shouting for help to assist my husband.

"By the time assistance came, the three of them were under the water."

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are providing support to Mrs Olubunmi Diya following the tragic incident in Spain."