Three people died and 15 more were injured after powerful waves battered the popular Spanish holiday island of Tenerife. A woman was killed after being pulled into the ocean near the Puerto de la Cruz resort, while a man died at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, according to emergency services on Sunday.
A third man was found dead in the ocean near a beach in Granadilla. In light of the hazardous conditions, emergency services have urged the public to stay away from coastal paths and refrain from taking pictures or videos of the turbulent seas.
Rescue services reported airlifting a man who had fallen into the water at La Guancha; he was later pronounced dead in the hospital. Another victim was found floating near El Cabezo beach, and despite efforts from lifeguards and medical staff, he could not be revived.
At Puerto de la Cruz, a heart attack claimed the life of a woman, while another 10 individuals were swept out to sea, with three suffering serious injuries and requiring hospital care. Local waiter Pedro described attempting to save those in distress, successfully rescuing three but unable to help the woman who sadly died at that moment.
Eyewitness accounts highlighted a lack of awareness from onlookers, as one nearby observer, Carlos, noted that despite warnings to move away from the waves, many continued to pose for photos.
Officials are keeping the Canary Islands on alert for coastal hazards, indicating that conditions may worsen with expected swells of two to four meters. Both tourists and locals have been advised to exercise extreme caution.
