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The island of Tenerife experienced one of the most tragic days related to coastal phenomenon on Saturday. Three people lost their lives and a further 15 were injured in different parts of the island, while the Canary archipelago remained on pre-alert for coastal hazards due to bad sea conditions.
The first incident took place on the Roque de Las Bodegas beach, in Taganana, where six French tourists fell into the water after being hit by large waves. Local police sources confirmed that those affected were swept away after ignoring a preventive buoy installed in the area.
One woman suffered moderate injuries and was airlifted to the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria University Hospital by helicopter. Four others also required hospitalisation and a fifth was treated at the scene.
On the El Cabezo de Granadilla de Abona beach, in the south of the island, the lifeless body of a man was found floating in the sea. Lifeguards and personnel from the Canary Islands Emergency Service carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) manoeuvres, but unfortuntately failed to revive him.
Puerto de la Cruz tragedy
The most serious incident occurred on the quayside of Puerto de la Cruz, in the north of Tenerife, where ten people were swept into the water.
Local police officers and several members of the public helped to rescue the victims. One woman was found in cardiorespiratory arrest and despite medical intervention from five ambulances that reported to the scene, was confirmed dead.
Of the other victims, three suffered critical injuries, four sustained moderate injuries and two minor only suffered minor wounds. All of the victims were hospitalised in different health centres on the island.
Late in the afternoon, at around 4:42 pm local time, the Emergency and Security Coordination Centre received a new alert for another man who had fallen into the sea in the area of Charco del Viento, in the municipality of La Guancha.
A Canary Islands Government helicopter located and pulled the man to the Santa Cruz de Tenerife dock, where medical staff confirmed his death due to the severity of his injuries.
Canary Islands remain on heightened alert
The Canary Islands have been on pre-alert for coastal phenomenon since Friday, due to exceptionally large waves, that can reach up to four metres high, and fierce winds.
Authorities had warned of dangerous sea conditions, though several incidents occurred due to incompliance with safety warnings and barriers.
The sea storm has highlighted the need for extreme caution in coastal areas when weather conditions are adverse, especially in the face of warnings issued by the emergency services.
Officials are urging civilians to heed advice and warnings, exercise increased caution and stay inland as much as possible until the threat subsides.