Tragedy struck on the Spanish island of Tenerife when a powerful wave swept a group of swimmers out to sea, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and leaving one person missing. The incident occurred at a popular seawater pool known as Isla Cangrejo, located along the island’s Los Gigantes coast, where emergency services were deployed in a significant rescue operation.
Authorities confirmed that three bodies were recovered on December 3, 2023. The deceased include a 35-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man, while the identity of another man remains undisclosed. Tragically, a fourth victim, a woman, died the following day after being revived at the scene and transported to a hospital. One additional person is still hospitalized, and search efforts are ongoing for the missing swimmer, according to a spokesperson for the emergency services, as reported by Agence France-Presse.
The Slovakian foreign ministry has confirmed the deaths of two Slovak citizens in the incident. Initial reports from Bucharest verified the death of one citizen, later followed by confirmation of the second.
Conditions and Warnings Ignored
Local media indicate that the seawater pool is a popular destination for tourists but can be hazardous under certain conditions. Situated nearly at sea level and bordered by volcanic rock, the pool can become dangerous during rough seas when large waves can easily breach the cement barriers. A weather advisory for rough seas was in effect at the time of the incident, and reports suggest the pool had been closed to swimmers since December 3.
Witnesses recounted seeing two powerful waves that overwhelmed the area. One eyewitness remarked, “We were very far away from the pool, and even then, the waves reached us. I looked backwards and the pool went from being full to having no one.”
Local residents expressed concern that swimmers had ignored signage and fencing intended to prevent access due to dangerous conditions. One resident, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted the perilous nature of the area: “People don’t know how the sea is here, and the danger of the pool, because there are rocks below on which people fall and can’t get back up. It’s very dangerous.”
Official Responses and Previous Incidents
Emilio Navarro, the mayor of Santiago Del Teide, extended his condolences to the families affected and confirmed that rescue teams continued their search for the missing swimmer. He emphasized the importance of adhering to safety warnings, stating, “We ask people to pay attention to the signage put up by the authorities. It’s to take care of and protect everyone.”
This incident is not isolated; similar tragedies have occurred in the area. Last month, three people died, and at least 15 others were injured in incidents involving strong waves in Tenerife. Notably, a woman lost her life after being pulled into the ocean near the Puerto de la Cruz resort, and another man died at Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is located off the coast of West Africa and is a favored destination for visitors seeking sun and sea. The local authorities are now faced with the challenge of ensuring safety for tourists while managing the natural hazards of the region.
