The eastern coast of Tenerife has once again become the scene of a tragedy. A woman who was hospitalized in critical condition after being struck by powerful waves died in the morning, becoming the fourth victim of the incident. Rescue teams continue to search for another possible missing person, as reported by eyewitnesses.
The incident occurred on Sunday, after four in the afternoon. A sudden and strong surge swept at least seven people off the shore. The victims were caught in the water within seconds, unable to react to the approaching danger. Emergency services, including a helicopter and jet ski rescue teams, arrived on the scene immediately.
Incident timeline
A maritime rescue helicopter was the first to spot and retrieve both one survivor and the body of a deceased person from the water. Another woman, pulled ashore in cardiac arrest, was revived by medics on the pier, who managed to restore her pulse before rushing her to La Candelaria Hospital (La Candelaria) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. However, their efforts proved unsuccessful—she died in the morning.
Additionally, two more bodies were found in the water. Two of those swept away managed to make it back to shore on their own. One of them, a 39-year-old woman, sustained moderate injuries and was hospitalized.
Eyewitness accounts
According to eyewitnesses at the scene, everything happened in an instant. “It was total chaos, everyone was running for their lives,” they recall. Two massive waves swept away everything in their path. Even those far from the water couldn’t escape the force of nature. One witness said that within seconds, the pool, which had recently been crowded with people, was emptied.
The search for a possible fifth victim is ongoing. There have been no official reports of missing persons so far, but rescuers continue their efforts. The operation involves a helicopter, the Salvamar Menkalinan rescue boat, as well as divers and the maritime police.
Safety measures
Canarian authorities declared a high alert along the coast for hazardous weather conditions on the 5th. Tenerife was among the areas at risk. The mayor of Santiago del Teide, Emilio Navarro, stated that access to the dangerous section had been restricted and fenced off since the warning was issued.
Despite the warnings, tragedy still struck. Rescue services are urging residents and tourists to exercise caution and stay away from the water during the storm.
Rescue operations
Not only local teams but also specialized units, like the Civil Guard’s Underwater Activities Group (GEAS), are involved in the search and rescue operation. They are inspecting coastal waters and rocky areas where victims could be found. The operation has been under way since early Monday morning, and it is not yet clear whether anyone else will be found alive.
The situation on the coast remains tense. Authorities do not rule out that the number of victims may rise if reports of a missing person are confirmed. Residents and visitors to the island are advised to closely follow weather updates and not to risk their lives for beautiful ocean views.
In case you didn’t know, the municipality of Santiago del Teide is located in the southwest of Tenerife and is known for its picturesque cliffs, Los Gigantes. In recent years, the area has become popular with tourists thanks to its unique natural landscapes and well-developed recreational infrastructure. However, the coastal zone here is often affected by strong waves, especially during the winter months. Local authorities regularly remind people to take precautions and pay attention to storm warnings.
