A sudden and powerful rogue wave has claimed three lives and left several others injured at a popular coastal beauty spot on the Spanish island of Tenerife. The tragic event occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, 4th October, near the natural pools on the iconic Los Gigantes cliffs in the north-west of the island.
Details of the Los Gigantes tragedy
The wave struck without warning at around 4pm local time, catching a group of people by complete surprise. Emergency paramedics reported that the victims were knocked into the water by the force of the wave. The deceased have been identified as two men, one aged 35, and a woman aged 55. Their next of kin are being informed.
In the chaotic aftermath, another woman suffered a cardiac arrest at the scene. She was successfully revived by emergency responders before being airlifted to the Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria Hospital for urgent treatment. A third woman, aged 39, was also transported to hospital with what have been described as moderate injuries.
A recurring danger on the Canary Islands
This is not an isolated incident for Tenerife. Just one month prior, the island was battered by dangerous weather that resulted in three fatalities and 15 injuries. In that event, an enormous wave crashed onto a pier in Puerto de la Cruz, killing one person and injuring nine others. Separate incidents that same week saw six French holidaymakers injured in Roque de las Bodegas and the body of a man recovered from the sea near El Cabezo beach.
Local media have indicated that foreign tourists were among those affected by the latest wave at Los Gigantes, though it is not yet confirmed if any British or Irish nationals are among the casualties. The UK Foreign Office has been contacted for comment regarding the welfare of British tourists.
Emergency response and ongoing risks
The regional government's emergency coordination team, which managed the response to last month's fatal waves, confirmed then that many of the injured were in a serious condition. Their swift actions were repeated today, with local police and bystanders helping to pull people from the water. Authorities have repeatedly warned of the dangers posed by unpredictable coastal conditions, especially during periods of strong winds.
While two further individuals managed to get themselves to safety without assistance during today's event, the repeated tragedies highlight the volatile nature of the Atlantic coastline. Tourists visiting the Canary Islands are urged to exercise extreme caution, heed all local warnings, and maintain a safe distance from the water's edge, particularly at natural pools and exposed coastal platforms.
