On Tuesday July 21 at around 1.36pm emergency services were called to La Laja Beach, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria following reports of two people in distress in the water.
Emergency response
One medical ambulance, one basic life support ambulance and one rapid intervention vehicle all raced to the scene alongside a rescue helicopter and ground support unit Spanish Red Cross, Maritime Rescue, Civil Guard, police and fire crews.
Upon arrival beach rescue personnel from the Red Cross rescued an 11-year-old minor from the sea. The child was transferred in a basic life support ambulance of the SUC to the University Maternal and Child Hospital of the Canary Islands. The extent of their injuries was not disclosed and no update has been given on their condition.
Search operation
A search operation began by land, sea and air for the second missing minor until the body was located in the water and transported by a Civil Guard vessel to the San Cristóbal dock.
Officers from the National Police are investigating the incident.
Beach location
La Laja beach is one of the four beaches located in the capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It is located between the southern part of the capital city and Telde, which is the second most populated town on the island. It is rare to find tourists on La Laja beach. It is mostly local Gran Canarians who take advantage of this beach.
