On Monday, a tragedy occurred on the southeastern coast of Lanzarote, in the Los Charcones area: two men fishing were suddenly swept away by a wave. Both ended up in the water, but only one managed to get back to shore on his own. The other, a 27-year-old Italian citizen living on the island, was found by rescuers in cardiac arrest. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he could not be saved — he died in the hospital after being airlifted there.
This incident marks the fifth fatal accident in the Canary Islands in recent days linked to hazardous sea conditions. Since Sunday, the archipelago has been experiencing strong waves and storms, which continue to pose risks to both residents and tourists.
A series of tragedies
On Monday in Tenerife, in the Los Gigantes area, another person died after being swept out to sea. In the past 24 hours alone, seven people have ended up in the water due to powerful surf along the Canary Islands’ coast. Rescuers managed to pull one person out alive, but the bodies of three others were found with no signs of life. Another woman was resuscitated on the pier, but she died in the hospital early Monday morning.
Since December 5, the Canary Islands authorities have maintained a state of heightened alert due to adverse coastal weather conditions. In particular, barriers and warning signs have been installed in hazardous areas to limit access to the water. The mayor of Santiago del Teide, Emilio Navarro, confirmed that safety measures were put in place in advance, but not all tourists and locals are following the recommendations.
Government warnings
The Canary Islands government and the regional emergency service have repeatedly urged the public to exercise caution along the coast. Special emphasis is placed on following self-protection advice and staying away from the water during storms. Despite these warnings, tragedies continue to occur.
According to the Asociación para la prevención de accidentes acuáticos Canarias, 60 people have drowned in the archipelago in the first eleven months of this year. This is seven fewer than in the same period last year, representing a 10% decrease. Nevertheless, the risk remains high, especially during periods of strong waves and storms.
Response and consequences
Rescue services continue to operate in heightened alert mode, patrolling the most dangerous stretches of coastline. Authorities remind the public that even experienced swimmers and fishermen are not immune to sudden weather changes and powerful waves. There is particular concern over the fact that most victims were people who ignored warnings and entered the water despite bans.
Forecasters predict that the challenging weather conditions will persist in the Canary Islands over the coming days. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid dangerous coastal areas and closely follow official updates on weather and safety.
If you didn’t know, Lanzarote is one of the most popular islands in the Canary archipelago, renowned for its unique landscapes and beaches. The Los Charcones area attracts fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers, but it is especially hazardous during storms. Canary authorities regularly conduct water safety awareness campaigns, and the Asociación 1500 KM de Costa works on preventing accidents along the coast.
