Helicopter rescue after new drowning incident during alert for dangerous seas
A man was airlifted to hospital yesterday, Tuesday after suffering a near-drowning at Montaña Arena beach in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria, during a period of rough sea conditions across the Canary Islands.
The incident occurred at around 12:45pm and was immediately reported to the Canary Islands Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES), which dispatched emergency resources to the scene.
According to an initial assessment by SUC paramedics, the man showed symptoms of an “incomplete drowning” of moderate severity, although complications cannot be ruled out.
He was first attended to on the beach by two people who identified themselves as healthcare professionals, after being pulled from the water by fellow bathers. A medical helicopter crew later stabilised him before transferring him to the University Hospital Insular in Las Palmas.
The operation involved lifeguards from the San Bartolomé de Tirajana Beach Rescue Service, local firefighters, Local Police, and SUC medical personnel.
Rough seas and multiple alerts
The incident comes as the Canary Islands Government has issued a pre-alert for rough seas, affecting the southwest, south, and southeast coasts of El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. Waves of up to two metres are expected.
This warning adds to ongoing high temperatures, a light calima, and a maximum alert for forest fire risk currently in place for Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma.
Safety advice
Authorities strongly advise against swimming at remote or unsupervised beaches and urge the public to follow the instructions of lifeguards. Water sports and other nautical activities should also be postponed until conditions improve.
In addition, the Government of the Canary Islands is reminding residents and visitors to take protective measures against heat and calima, and to respect all restrictions aimed at preventing wildfires.
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