Tenerife Tragedy: Death Toll Climbs to Three After Rough Seas Sweep Beachgoers into the Ocean
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife – The death toll following a series of incidents involving powerful waves along the coast of Tenerife has risen to three, authorities confirmed today. The tragedies unfolded after a weather alert was issued warning of rough seas.
A 79-year-old Dutch tourist died adn nine others were hospitalized after being swept into the sea in Puerto de la Cruz yesterday afternoon around 3:00 PM.In a separate incident, a 43-year-old local man died while fishing at Charco del Viento, a natural pool complex west of Puerto de la Cruz, shortly before 4:45 PM. Overnight, the body of an unidentified man was discovered floating off El Cabezo beach in Granadilla, southwest of the island.
the regional goverment-run emergency response coordination center stated regarding the first incident,”A woman has died and nine people were injured after being swept into the sea by a wave.” The local man who died at Charco del Viento was rescued by helicopter and transported to a hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where he was pronounced dead due to the severity of his injuries. The Civil Guard is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Earlier in the day,around 11:30 AM,six French holidaymakers sustained injuries after being swept into the sea in Roque de las Bodegas. Authorities reported the group had disregarded warning signs and ventured too close to the water’s edge. While none of the injuries were life-threatening,five were taken to hospital,including one via air ambulance. The group consisted of three men and three women who were assisted by bystanders in exiting the water.
The nationality of the man found at El Cabezo beach remains unknown. He was discovered ”floating in the water” and authorities are investigating whether his death is linked to the perilous wave conditions.
Canary Islands officials had urged both residents and tourists to exercise “maximum caution” along the coast, advising against standing near piers or breakwaters and warning against taking photographs or videos close to breaking waves. The alert regarding sea conditions was initially issued on Friday.
Between January and October, 54 people have died from drowning in the Canary Islands, according to official figures.
