A major rescue operation has been launched after a person was reported to be in difficulty in the sea off Puerto Rico, one of Gran Canaria’s busiest tourist resorts.

Emergency services were called to the coast of Mogán at around midday today, with teams deployed by air, sea and land in an effort to reach the person.

A rescue helicopter was sent to the area, while a maritime rescue boat joined the operation from the sea.

Firefighters, Civil Protection volunteers and officers from the Mogán Local Police were also sent as part of the coordinated response.

The scale of the operation attracted considerable attention in Puerto Rico, which is particularly busy with tourists during the summer holiday period.

Emergency teams were continuing their efforts to reach the person and secure the area while the rescue operation remained underway.

No further information has yet been released about how the person came to be in difficulty or their condition.

People visiting the coastline are advised to follow instructions from emergency personnel and avoid any areas where rescue teams are working.