TRAGEDY IN TENERIFE: Three dead and several injured after being swept away by a massive wave
A tragic incident on the west coast of Tenerife has left three people dead and several others injured after a powerful wave struck the popular natural swimming pool at Isla Cangrejo, in Los Gigantes (Santiago del Teide), on Sunday afternoon.
The accident happened shortly after 4:00pm, when rough seas sent a sudden surge of water crashing over the rocky bathing area, dragging a group of people into the ocean.
The conditions along the coast had already been marked as dangerous throughout the day following a weather alert for strong coastal phenomena.
Among the fatalities are a 55-year-old woman, a 35-year-old man, and a third male victim whose details have not yet been released. Several of those caught in the wave are believed to be middle-aged bathers, including foreign tourists visiting the area.
Rescue workers performed advanced CPR on a woman who was pulled from the water in cardiac arrest. She was stabilised at the scene and then airlifted by a medical helicopter to Hospital Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria in Santa Cruz. Another 39-year-old woman suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Hospiten Sur, while a third woman received medical attention at the scene.
Due to the scale of the incident, the Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES) launched a major rescue operation involving a Maritime Rescue helicopter, the Emergency and Rescue Group (GES) helicopter, medical helicopters and ambulances from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC), as well as the Guardia Civil, Local Police and local medical teams.
Emergency personnel confirmed the deaths at the scene and continued searching the coastline in case more people were missing, although no further disappearances have been reported.
The tragedy occurred while regional authorities had already issued warnings advising residents and tourists to avoid coastal areas exposed to heavy waves.
Isla Cangrejo, known for its dramatic cliffs and natural bathing spots, is a favourite location for photos and swimming, but becomes extremely dangerous when the sea is rough.
Authorities are urging the public to follow coastal safety alerts at all times to prevent further loss of life during the current episode of hazardous sea conditions affecting the Canary Islands.
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