Search launched during storms for missing swimmer in El Medano

A swimmer who was reported missing in the sea off El Médano reached shore safely yesterday, Sunday, after emergency services launched a search.

The alarm was raised when the 112 emergency control centre received a report that a swimmer was in difficulty near the beach in Granadilla de Abona and could not initially be located.

Firefighters began searching from an inflatable boat, while Maritime Rescue sent a helicopter and the Salvamar Alpheratz rescue vessel to join them.

The teams were later informed that the swimmer had managed to get out of the water unaided and was in good health. The search was called off and the crews returned to their bases.

Heavy rain in El Médano

The incident happened during a day of severe weather in Tenerife, with El Médano among the areas most affected by heavy rain.

Around 26mm fell in one hour in the El Médano and Tenerife South Airport area during the morning, flooding streets close to the beach.

The circumstances that led to the alert have not been confirmed. However, entering the sea during unsettled weather can put swimmers and rescue crews at unnecessary risk. Beachgoers should check local conditions and follow lifeguards’ instructions before going into the water.