The Canary Islands have recorded five drowning-related fatalities in just ten days, highlighting the danger of the seas on the coast of the region. Recent incidents documented by CECOES include three deaths in Tenerife, one in Fuerteventura, and another in Gran Canaria.
The grim tally adds to a year already marked by 56 drowning deaths between January and October, as reported by the Association for the Prevention of Aquatic Accidents in the Canary Islands (1500 Km de Costa). With the recent fatalities, this figure has now climbed to 62.
Recent Incidents
The most recent tragedy occurred yesterday, Wednesday November 13th, when a 72-year-old man was rescued in distress from the waters of Las Meloneras beach in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria. Despite efforts by emergency personnel, they couldn’t revive him.
Over the weekend, Tenerife's Taganana region experienced a somber stretch, with two drownings reported at Almáciga Beach. On November 9th, a 26-year-old man was pulled from the water lifeless, and the following day, a woman in her 60s succumbed after being rescued in cardiac arrest.
Another fatality was reported on November 8th in Costa Calma, Fuerteventura, where a man was found in cardiac arrest after being rescued from the water.
Earlier in the month, on November 5th, an 81-year-old man was discovered drowned in a hotel pool in Arona, Tenerife. On the same day, a body was found floating off the coast of Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote, adding to the list of drowning incidents.
A Worrying Trend
Beaches remain the most frequent sites for these tragedies, accounting for 52% of drowning deaths, while Tenerife continues to lead in fatalities with 19 cases as of October, followed by Gran Canaria (14), Fuerteventura (10), and Lanzarote (8).
The data also highlights that 63% of the victims this year were foreigners, and 70% were recreational swimmers. These statistics underline the need for heightened safety measures and public awareness campaigns to prevent further incidents.
The Canarian government and local authorities are urged to reinforce water safety education and bolster lifeguard resources to address this persistent issue.
