Fatal accident off La Palma coast
A Spanish man aged in his 60s died on Sunday after being caught in the propeller of a recreational fishing boat off the coast of La Palma in the Canary Islands. The victim's friend, who was skippering the vessel, watched helplessly as the accident unfolded.
The incident occurred in the waters near Puntagorda, a municipality on the western side of La Palma. According to the Civil Guard, the two men had gone out for a day of fishing, a routine they had followed for decades in the same area. The skipper, a local resident of Puntagorda, has been left traumatised by witnessing the death of his lifelong friend.
Rescue and recovery efforts
Emergency services received a report that a man had sustained severe injuries from a boat propeller. It is believed the victim fell into the water and was struck by the blades, becoming entangled. Rescue workers, including a helicopter and a rescue boat with police and paramedics, were dispatched to the scene. However, they could not save the man, and it took several hours to recover his body from the propeller.
Paramedics also had to assist the skipper, who suffered an anxiety attack following the accident. The recreational boat involved was towed to the Port of Tazacorte.
Investigation underway
The Civil Guard is leading an investigation into the tragedy, with assistance from firefighters from the La Laguna park, who conducted a dive with underwater equipment at the site. The accident took place in a stretch of sea between Porís de Tijarafe and El Puerto de Puntagorda, an area frequently used for fishing and accessible only by boat, as much of the coastal strip of Puntagorda consists of cliffs.
Many boats, including the one involved, are based in the port of Tazacorte and regularly visit spots such as Cueva Bonita or El Porís de Tijarafe. The mayor of Puntagorda, Vicente Rodríguez Lorenzo, described the incident as "an absolute tragedy" involving two men who were lifelong friends.
