On Monday, a tragedy occurred on the southeastern coast of Lanzarote, in the Los Charcones area: two men who were fishing were suddenly swept away by a wave. Both ended up in the water, but only one managed to make it back to shore on his own. The other, a 27-year-old Italian citizen residing on the island, was found by rescuers in cardiac arrest. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he could not be saved—he died in the hospital after being transported there by helicopter.
This incident marks the fifth fatal accident in the Canary Islands in recent days linked to dangerous sea conditions. Since Sunday, the archipelago has been experiencing a period of strong waves and storms, which continue to pose a threat to both residents and tourists.
A series of tragedies
On Monday in Tenerife, in the Los Gigantes area, another person died after also being swept out to sea. In the past 24 hours alone, seven people have ended up in the water along the Canary Islands’ coasts due to powerful surf. Rescuers managed to pull one of them out alive, but the bodies of three others were found with no signs of life. Another woman was revived on the pier but died in the hospital overnight into Monday.
Authorities in the Canary Islands have maintained a high alert since December 5 due to adverse coastal weather conditions. Specifically, barriers and warning signs have been installed in hazardous areas to restrict access to the water. The mayor of Santiago del Teide, Emilio Navarro, confirmed that safety measures were implemented in advance, but not all tourists and residents are following the recommendations.
Official Warnings
The Canary Islands government and the regional emergency service have repeatedly urged the public to exercise caution along the coast. Particular emphasis has been placed on following self-protection advice and staying away from the water during storms. Despite the warnings, tragedies continue to occur.
According to the Association for the Prevention of Aquatic Accidents in the Canaries (Asociación para la prevención de accidentes acuáticos Canarias), 60 people drowned in the archipelago in the first eleven months of this year. This is seven fewer than during the same period last year, representing a 10% decrease. Nevertheless, water hazards remain high, especially during periods of strong waves and storms.
Response and Consequences
Rescue services continue to operate on high alert, patrolling the most dangerous stretches of the coastline. Authorities remind the public that even experienced swimmers and fishermen are not immune to sudden weather changes and strong waves. What is particularly concerning is that most victims are people who ignored warnings and entered the water despite bans.
In the coming days, meteorologists forecast that difficult weather conditions will persist in the Canary Islands. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid hazardous areas along the coast and to closely follow official weather and safety updates.
In case you didn’t know, Lanzarote is one of the most popular islands in the Canary archipelago, famed for its unique landscapes and beaches. The Los Charcones area attracts fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers, but it becomes especially dangerous during storms. Canary Islands authorities regularly run water safety awareness campaigns, and the association 1500 KM de Costa works to prevent accidents along the coast.
