A 53-year-old tourist died yesterday (Wednesday) after being swept into the sea by strong waves while taking pictures on the rocks by the natural pools in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. The tragic incident underlines the dangers of the sea and happened during warnings for dangerous conditions and advice from the government to avoid putting yourself at risk trying to get the ‘perfect’ holiday photo.
At around 4:15pm, the Emergency and Services Coordination Centre (CECOES) received an urgent call about the incident, triggering a rapid rescue response. Various emergency resources were dispatched to assist in the operation, including a GES helicopter, ambulances, SUC medical personnel, as well as Maritime Rescue boats and agents from the Local Police, National Police, Guardia Civil, and the Fire Brigade.
The rescue teams managed to locate the man in the water, however, the rescue was overshadowed by the gravity of his condition as he was already in cardiac arrest with signs of drowning when recovered by the helicopter crew, who performed CPR during the flight to the La Guancha helipad, in a desperate attempt to save the holidaymakers life.
Upon arrival, and despite the efforts of the medical team on the ground, the man showed no signs of recovery, and after intense minutes of advanced resuscitation manoeuvres, the medical team was forced to confirm his death.
The Guardia Civil, through its Judicial Police, took custody of the body until the arrival of the coroners who took the corpse away for official identification and autopsy.
This incident is a stark reminder of the unpredictable force of nature and the need to respect safety warnings. The Directorate General of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has issued a statement urging the public to take extreme precautions, especially near the sea.
You are advised to avoid approaching the ends of piers and breakwaters, not to take photographs or videos near the breaking waves, as well as to refrain from travelling on roads close to the coast or participating in nautical activities in areas affected by string swells in the sea.
