Fourth Victim Dies in Tenerife Sea Surge
A tragic incident on the eastern coast of Tenerife has resulted in a fourth fatality caused by a powerful sea surge. This unfortunate event unfolded on Sunday afternoon, approximately at 4 PM, when at least seven individuals were caught in the water due to unexpected large waves.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services were alerted immediately. The regional emergency number, 112, deployed a helicopter from marine rescue services that successfully rescued one individual alive from the water and recovered the body of another victim. Additionally, rescuers on jet skis managed to save a woman who had suffered a cardiac arrest. Resuscitation efforts were initiated as she was brought to the dock, where the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) performed advanced life-saving techniques, stabilizing her condition before transferring her to La Candelaria Hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Unfortunately, she passed away early Monday morning, around 7 AM.
Victims’ Nationalities
- Two victims were Romanian.
- One victim was Slovakian.
According to witnesses, the chaos occurred in mere seconds. Testimonies describe a scene where “two massive waves swept everything in their path,” leaving onlookers astonished as the area transitioned from full to empty in an instant.
Search and Rescue Operations
As of Monday morning, search teams continued efforts to locate a potential fifth victim, despite official sources stating there are no reports of any disappearances. Rescue operations have engaged a helicopter and the Salvamar Menkalinan, alongside the Civil Guard’s Special Underwater Activities Group (GEAS).
The Canary Islands Emergency Directorate had declared a pre-alert for coastal phenomena in several islands, including Tenerife, since the 5th of the month. Mayor Emilio Navarro confirmed that safety barriers had been installed in the area since the start of the alert.
Public Safety Advisory
The government urged citizens to adhere to safety precautions along the coast. They emphasized the importance of following self-protection guidelines to mitigate risks related to the sea.
Additional Rescues
On the same day, emergency services also rescued a 27-year-old Italian man who fell into the sea while fishing at Los Charcones beach in Lanzarote around 3:50 PM. He was found in cardiac arrest and is currently in critical condition at the Doctor José Molina Orosa Hospital.
This series of incidents highlights the unpredictable nature of coastal conditions and the necessity for vigilance among beachgoers.
