Three dead after powerful waves sweep bathers into sea in Tenerife

Three people have died and another three have been injured after powerful waves swept a group of bathers into the sea at a natural pool complex near the Los Gigantes cliffs in northwestern Tenerife, local authorities said.

The victims include two men, one aged 35, and a 55-year-old woman. A second woman went into cardiac arrest at the scene but was revived by emergency responders before being airlifted to hospital, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The incident occurred at around 4 p.m. on December 7, when a large swell struck the natural pools at Charco de Isla Cangrejo, sweeping several “middle-aged” swimmers — some of them foreign tourists — into the Atlantic Ocean.

Rescue efforts involved air ambulances, which were seen lifting people from the water. A 39-year-old woman sustained moderate injuries and remains in hospital. Emergency teams continue to monitor the area, though authorities say no additional people have been reported missing.

The Canary Islands have been under a weather alert since December 5, with forecasts warning of waves between two and five meters along northern coastlines. The natural rock pool, formed on the volcanic coastline, is partially protected by a concrete wall, but officials say the swell was strong enough to overwhelm it.

The tragedy comes just weeks after another deadly incident on the island, when three people were killed and 15 cruise passengers injured after powerful waves struck the port of Tenerife during a tidal surge.

By Sabina Mammadli