Two women swept into the sea at Los Gigantes pool
Two young women had a miraculous escape at the Isla Cangrejo natural pool in Los Gigantes last weekend after being swept into the open sea by powerful waves. The popular bathing spot, in Santiago del Teide, has already claimed two lives in the past ten months.
According to witnesses, around forty people were using the pool when the swell surged unexpectedly, dragging the women off a concrete wall and into the ocean.
The pair were seen desperately clinging to a pole before being flung into the water between rocks.
Several bathers rushed to their aid and managed to prevent them from being pulled further out to sea. Witnesses say the incident could easily have turned into a mass tragedy, as strong currents and surging waves also threatened other swimmers and onlookers gathered on the rocks nearby.
Despite having a protective concrete wall, Isla Cangrejo can become extremely dangerous during rough seas. Rescue operations are frequent, and the area has a tragic history.
In the last ten months alone, two men aged 60 and 63 have drowned in separate incidents. Locals describe it as a beautiful but treacherous spot, especially vulnerable to strong swells that make access unsafe.
Residents say they regularly witness what they describe as “inconceivable recklessness” from visitors who ignore warnings. “It’s the same scene day after day. We don’t know what else can be done,” said one local witness.
Campaigners, including the group Canarias, 1.500 Kilómetros de Costa, argue that warning signs are not enough. They are calling for stronger measures such as police patrols, lifeguards, physically closing access to the pool during dangerous conditions, and fines for those who ignore restrictions.
“If no action is taken, it is only a matter of time before more lives are lost or people are seriously injured,” warned the group’s president, Chano Quintana, who also reminded that drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death among young people under 20 in Europe.
Isla Cangrejo remains a favourite spot for its dramatic sunsets and natural beauty, but locals and safety experts urge both residents and tourists to respect the ocean and avoid the pool on days of rough seas.
Share:
