Sunday turned into a tragedy for tourists and locals in southern Tenerife. In the area of the natural pool near the Los Gigantes cliffs, a sudden powerful wave claimed the lives of three people, while another remains missing. Several people suffered injuries of varying severity; one victim in critical condition was airlifted by helicopter.
Among the dead are a 35-year-old man, a 55-year-old woman, and another man whose age has not yet been confirmed. Another woman, aged 39, sustained moderate injuries and was taken to the hospital. A second injured woman was treated at the scene. According to eyewitnesses, the victims were swept into the water while enjoying the view at the edge of the pool.
Emergency services
The emergency call was received at around 4:07 PM. Rescue teams arrived quickly by helicopter and water patrols. The first to reach the victims were members of the Helimer maritime rescue service, who pulled one deceased person and one survivor from the water. Others were rescued by boat crews and local residents who rushed to help.
Despite the efforts of the medical teams, two victims could not be saved. Another woman was hospitalized with injuries, and one more received on-site medical assistance. Several others who were swept away by the wave managed to get out on their own.
Cause of the tragedy
In recent days, the Canary Islands have been under a coastal weather alert. Regional authorities had issued an early warning about heightened risks due to rough seas and urged people to exercise caution near the water. Nevertheless, despite these warnings, many visitors continue to frequent natural pools and beaches, unaware of the real danger.
The cliffs of Los Gigantes are a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The area’s natural pools often become traps during heavy surf. This time, nature has once again made its presence felt, leaving tragic consequences in its wake.
Incident Statistics
This is not the first time Tenerife has faced such tragedies. Exactly one month ago, three people also lost their lives on the island’s coast, and another 15 were injured due to rough seas. According to local authorities, since the start of the year, there have been 67 water-related deaths recorded in the Canary Islands. This makes it the second highest region in Spain for such incidents, surpassed only by Andalucía.
Experts point out that most tragedies occur due to underestimating the danger and ignoring warnings. Natural pools and rocky parts of the coastline are especially hazardous, as waves can be unpredictable even when the weather seems calm.
Authorities’ Response
Authorities in the Canary Islands have once again urged residents and visitors to exercise maximum caution near the water. In the coming days, a heightened alert will remain in effect along the coast. Rescue services continue to patrol hazardous areas, and information boards are warning about the risk of strong waves.
Local residents and tourists offer their condolences to the families of the victims. Many note that the tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of following basic safety precautions while on vacation.
RUSSPAIN.COM reports that Los Gigantes is a well-known tourist area in the southwest of Tenerife, famous for its picturesque cliffs and natural pools. Every year, thousands of tourists come here to enjoy the unique nature and ocean views. However, despite its popularity, this stretch of coastline is considered one of the most dangerous in the Canaries due to frequent strong waves and unpredictable tides. Local authorities regularly remind people to exercise caution and pay attention to weather warnings.
