Three people have died and at least 15 others were injured in separate incidents caused by rough seas and sudden tidal surges on the Spanish island of Tenerife, emergency services have confirmed.
A 43-year-old Spanish man died after falling into the water while fishing at a beach in La Guancha, in the north of the island. He was airlifted to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival, according to local newspaper El Día.
Another man was found floating at El Cabezo beach in the south; lifeguards and medical staff attempted resuscitation but he died at the scene. His identity has not been disclosed. A 79-year-old Dutch woman suffered a fatal heart attack when a giant wave swept 10 people into the sea in the northern city of Puerto de la Cruz.
Emergency services reported that an unexpectedly high wave crashed into a pier in Puerto de la Cruz, dragging several people into the ocean. Three people were seriously injured and treated in hospital. Footage shared by local broadcaster La Radio Canaria showed the moment the wave struck.
At Roque de las Bodega beach in the north-east, a strong wave swept five people into the sea, all of whom were French tourists, according to El Día. Authorities had previously issued warnings for sudden sea surges and strong winds, which are common in autumn and winter, and the archipelago remains on alert for coastal hazards.
The public has been urged to avoid exposed vantage points on piers and breakwaters, where visitors often stop to take pictures and videos of crashing waves.
