A man aged around 50 has died after being found in the sea close to the Taliarte lighthouse in Telde, on the east coast of Gran Canaria.

Emergency services launched a search and rescue operation this afternoon (Monday) after receiving reports that a person had been spotted in the water near rocks along the coastline.

Several emergency and security services were sent to the area as efforts began to find and rescue the man.

The operation involved lifeguards, Civil Protection volunteers, Local Police and National Police officers, while a rescue helicopter was also sent to the area.

Despite the emergency response, the man was pronounced dead following the operation.

Authorities have not yet released further details about how the man came to be in the water or the circumstances surrounding his death.

People in the area were asked to take extra care around the coastline while the emergency operation was underway.

Authorities also urged members of the public to keep access routes clear, so rescue teams and emergency vehicles could reach the location without obstruction.

Visitors and residents should exercise caution around rocky stretches of coastline and follow any instructions issued by lifeguards or emergency services, particularly when sea conditions are hazardous.