Tenerife Coastal Tragedy Claims Three Lives
Emergency services in Tenerife have confirmed three fatalities and at least fifteen injuries following a series of dangerous incidents involving rough seas around the Spanish island. The tragic events occurred as sudden tidal surges caught multiple people by surprise, pulling several victims into the ocean.
Fatal Incidents Across the Island
In the northern municipality of La Guancha, a rescue helicopter airlifted a 43-year-old Spanish man from the water after he fell while fishing. Despite rapid medical intervention, the man was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital. Local newspaper El Día reported the victim fell from a considerable height during the accident.
Separately, at El Cabezo beach in the south, lifeguards discovered another man floating in the water. Medical teams attempted resuscitation efforts at the scene, but tragically could not save him. The identity of this victim remains undisclosed.
The third fatality occurred in Puerto de la Cruz, where a 79-year-old Dutch woman suffered a fatal heart attack after a giant wave swept ten people into the sea. Emergency services confirmed that several people fell into the water following a sudden tidal surge in this popular northern city.
Multiple Rescue Operations
Police and bystanders worked together in dramatic rescue efforts after an unexpectedly high wave crashed into a pier near Puerto de la Cruz harbour, dragging people into the ocean. Three victims sustained serious injuries and required hospital treatment following this incident.
Local broadcaster La Radio Canaria shared footage on social media platform X showing the terrifying moment the wave swept several people from the Puerto de la Cruz pier.
At Roque de las Bodega beach in the north-eastern part of the island, at least five French tourists were injured when a powerful wave dragged them into the sea, adding to the day's casualty count.
Safety Warnings and Previous Incidents
Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands located off the west coast of Africa, had previously received emergency service warnings about sudden sea surges and strong winds. These conditions are particularly common during autumn and winter months, prompting the archipelago to remain on high alert for coastal hazards.
Authorities have urgently advised the public to avoid exposed vantage points on piers and breakwaters, where visitors often stop to photograph or film crashing waves. This tragedy follows a similar incident in January when a 63-year-old British holidaymaker died after being swept out to sea at Los Gigantes natural swimming pool on Tenerife's west side.
Emergency services continue to monitor conditions and reinforce safety messages as the island deals with the aftermath of these tragic events.
