A 75-year-old British tourist has tragically died after being rescued from the sea at a popular beach in Tenerife. The pensioner, who had recently celebrated his birthday, was pulled from the water at El Duque beach in the Costa Adeje area around midday yesterday.
Emergency Response at the Scene
Lifeguards at the urban Blue Flag beach initially assisted the man after he was retrieved from the water. The emergency escalated when the tourist suffered a cardiac arrest. A rapid response team including paramedics, a doctor, and a nurse from a local health centre arrived promptly to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Despite their sustained efforts, medical professionals were unable to restart the man's heart. He was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a devastating conclusion to the rescue operation.
Investigation and Official Statements
A spokesman for the regional government's emergency coordination centre provided details on the incident. "The man died after being rescued at El Duque beach when he had gone into cardiac arrest," the official stated. "He was initially assisted by lifeguards before ambulance staff together with a doctor and a nurse from a nearby health centre arrived and continued with CPR which proved unsuccessful."
Local police officers assisted at the scene, while National Police are now compiling a report for an investigating court. An autopsy is scheduled to take place today in Santa Cruz, the island's capital, to determine the precise cause of death.
Unanswered Questions and Beach Conditions
It remains unclear whether the holidaymaker was swimming alone or accompanied by family or friends at the time of the incident. El Duque beach, while holding the prestigious Blue Flag designation for environmental and safety standards, is known to experience strong sea currents.
The tourist was initially described as a 70-year-old foreign national before authorities confirmed he was a 75-year-old British citizen. Well-placed sources revealed he had celebrated his birthday less than two weeks prior to the tragic event.
The first emergency calls were logged just after 12:50 PM yesterday, triggering the immediate response that ultimately could not prevent this holiday tragedy.
