A tragic incident occurred at a popular seawater pool on the coast of the Spanish island of Tenerife, where four people lost their lives and another individual remains missing after powerful waves swept a group of swimmers out to sea. Emergency services reported that three bodies were recovered on December 3, 2023 – a 35-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man, along with a third unidentified male victim. The fourth victim, a woman, succumbed to her injuries on December 4, a day after being revived at the scene and airlifted to a hospital.
Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue to search for the missing swimmer. According to a spokesperson for the emergency services, another individual remains hospitalized following the incident at Isla Cangrejo, a location frequented by tourists. Slovakia’s foreign ministry confirmed the deaths of two Slovak citizens, while Romania has verified the fatalities of one citizen and subsequently the second.
The seawater pool, situated along the Los Gigantes coast, is known for its beautiful surroundings but can pose significant dangers during rough weather. The pool is bordered by volcanic rock on one side and features a cement barrier separating it from the ocean. During turbulent sea conditions, large waves can easily breach this barrier, leading to hazardous situations for swimmers.
Local media reported that a weather advisory for rough seas was in effect during the incident, and witnesses described the chaos as two powerful waves overwhelmed the area. 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.”
Community members expressed concerns that many swimmers disregarded signs and fencing intended to prevent access to the pool due to the dangerous conditions. An unnamed resident stated, “People don’t know how the sea is here and the danger of the pool… It’s very dangerous.” The resident highlighted the risks posed by slippery rocks beneath the pool, which can make it extremely difficult for individuals to regain their footing after being swept away.
In response to the tragedy, Emilio Navarro, the mayor of Santiago Del Teide, extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He emphasized the importance of adhering to safety warnings and encouraged bathers to heed the advice of local authorities regarding swimming during adverse weather conditions. “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 follows a series of similar tragedies on the island. Last month, three people died and at least 15 were injured in related incidents involving rough sea conditions. A woman lost her life near the Puerto de la Cruz resort, while another man died at Santa Cruz de Tenerife. A third victim was found deceased near a beach in Granadilla.
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is located off the coast of West Africa and is a popular destination for international tourists. The combination of its stunning landscapes and perilous waters calls for heightened awareness and caution among visitors. As the search for the missing swimmer continues, the local community remains united in grief and concern for the safety of those who enjoy the ocean.
