A British holidaymaker has tragically died after being swept into the sea by a wave at the Los Gigantes natural rock pool in Tenerife. The incident occurred just before midday yesterday, Monday, at the popular landmark on the island's west coast.
The victim, a 63-year-old man, was one of three people who encountered difficulties after a wave washed them into the sea. Emergency services, including a rescue helicopter, police, firefighters, and paramedics, were swiftly mobilised.
The man was found face-down in the water in a state of cardiac arrest and was airlifted to a nearby football pitch. However, despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead.
Two women who were also swept into the sea managed to reach safety. One suffered minor injuries to her legs and was taken to a health centre for treatment, while the other was treated for a panic attack at the scene.
Tragedy at Los Gigantes Natural Pool
The accident happened at Los Gigantes natural pool, also known as Crab Island Pool, in the municipality of Santiago del Teide. The pool, located near the four-star Barcelo Santiago Hotel, is protected by a concrete wall but remains vulnerable to heavy waves during strong swells.
There are currently active weather alerts warning people to avoid the rock pools during rough sea conditions, as high waves can spill into the swimming area, posing a dangerous hazard.
It remains unclear whether the survivors were relatives or friends of the deceased, and their nationalities have not been disclosed. Local Police were unavailable for comment early this morning, although reports have identified the man as a British tourist.
!WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT!
Video removed at request of the deceased's family.
Warnings Amid Dangerous Swells
Regional authorities in the Canary Islands have been urging residents and tourists to exercise caution near the sea this week due to heavy waves and strong swells. A spokesperson for the Emergency Services Coordination Centre (CECOES) confirmed details of the incident:
"Emergency services intervened in the rescue of three people who had got into difficulties in the sea near the Crab Island natural pool in Santiago del Teide. The alarm was raised just before midday, when we were informed three people had been swept by a wave into the sea. A man, aged 63, was found face down in the water and rescued by helicopter. He was in cardiac arrest when he was brought ashore, and efforts to save him were unsuccessful."
"A 50-year-old woman with minor injuries to her lower limbs was taken to a nearby health centre, while another woman, suffering from a panic attack, did not require hospital treatment."
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by the sea, particularly in regions prone to powerful waves. Visitors are urged to heed local warnings and avoid entering the water during adverse conditions.
