A tragic incident off the coast of Tenerife has resulted in the deaths of four individuals and one person reported missing after a powerful wave swept a group of swimmers into the ocean. The accident occurred at Isla Cangrejo, a popular seawater pool that attracts many tourists, prompting a significant rescue operation on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
Emergency services recovered three bodies, including those of a 35-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man, while another male victim remains unidentified. The fourth victim, a woman, was airlifted to a hospital after being revived at the scene but succumbed to her injuries the following day. Another individual is currently hospitalized, and authorities continue their search for the missing swimmer, a spokesperson for the emergency services stated.
According to Slovakia’s foreign ministry, two Slovak citizens lost their lives in the incident. Romanian officials confirmed the death of one citizen, later acknowledging the second fatality as well. The seawater pool, located on Tenerife’s Los Gigantes coast, has gained notoriety for being hazardous, particularly during rough sea conditions.
Local media reports indicated that a weather advisory for turbulent seas was active at the time of the incident. Witnesses described how two strong waves overwhelmed the pool area, pulling swimmers into the ocean. One witness recounted, “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.”
Residents noted that swimmers had disregarded warning signs and barriers erected to protect them from the hazardous conditions. “People don’t know how the sea is here, and the danger of the pool,” remarked one local resident. “There are rocks below on which people fall and can’t get back up. It’s very dangerous.”
In response to the event, Emilio Navarro, the mayor of Santiago Del Teide, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. He emphasized the importance of heeding safety warnings and the measures taken by authorities to prevent such tragedies. “We ask people to pay attention to the signage put up by the authorities,” he said. “It’s to take care of and protect everyone.”
This incident is not an isolated case. In the previous month, three individuals lost their lives in similar circumstances on Tenerife, underscoring the persistent risks associated with swimming in the area during rough weather. A woman died after being swept into the ocean at Puerto de la Cruz, and another man was found deceased at Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and attractions. However, as this incident illustrates, caution is essential when enjoying its natural beauty. Emergency services remain on alert as they continue their search efforts and assess the situation.
