Spain: Three killed, fifteen injured as strong waves sweep Tenerife Island

On November 8, three people were killed and fifteen others injured along the coasts of Tenerife Island, Spain, due to strong waves, local authorities said. 

The victims include a 79-year-old Dutch woman, a 43-year-old man from La Orotava, and another man whose identity has not been disclosed, Caliber.Az reports, citing Spanish media.

The incidents followed the Government of the Canary Islands’ pre-alert for coastal phenomena, issued three days earlier, warning residents and visitors of heightened wave activity.

Emergency services said six of the injured were swept away by waves in the Anaga region, specifically at Roque de las Bodegas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In Puerto de la Cruz, a water accident resulted in the death of the Dutch woman and injuries to nine others.

Authorities noted that reckless behaviour contributed to both incidents. Tourists in Anaga reportedly ignored a preventive barrier designed to ensure safety.

At Puerto de la Cruz, local police and bystanders rescued all victims and brought them ashore. Emergency responders performed resuscitation efforts on the elderly Dutch woman, which continued with ambulance personnel, but she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Emergency and Security Coordination Centre.

Among the injured, three men sustained serious injuries, including trauma to the hip, multiple bodily injuries, and a leg injury. Four victims suffered moderate injuries, while two sustained minor injuries. Several were transported to the Hospital Universitario de Canarias, others to the Hospital del Norte, and the remainder to Hospiten Bellevue.

Authorities continue to urge caution along Tenerife’s coasts, especially amid strong wave warnings, and reminded visitors to respect safety barriers and signage to prevent further accidents.

By Khagan Isayev