66 fines in less than a year for entering the natural pool where four people died in Tenerife
The Local Police of Santiago del Teide have confirmed that they issued 66 fines in less than a year to people who entered the Isla Cangrejo natural pool while it was closed to the public, highlighting the ongoing dangers of ignoring coastal safety warnings in Tenerife.
The figure comes in the wake of a tragic incident last Sunday, when four people lost their lives and a fifth person disappeared after being swept into the sea by powerful waves at the Isla Cangrejo natural pool. The area was officially closed for bathing due to rough sea conditions and had been cordoned off at the time.
According to information released by the authorities, three people died at sea and a fourth later died in hospital. Most of those affected were reportedly tourists, who entered the area despite safety tape and warning signs in Spanish, English and German. It has emerged that some of the barriers may have been damaged or broken.
A recurring danger spot
Mayor Emilio Navarro explained that in the past, access points were secured with gates, but complaints from third parties meant these could not be maintained. As a result, the area now relies on signage and temporary barriers to warn the public.
Safety group Canarias 1.500 KM de Costa has renewed its call for additional measures, including the presence of lifeguards. The organisation believes this could help reduce the number of risky incidents caused by people ignoring safety restrictions.
“One of the most dangerous coastal points”
Sebastián Quintana, president of Canarias 1.500 KM de Costa, told local media that warning signs, buoys and tape “have achieved nothing” and said he could not understand how adults, mostly tourists, would “put their own lives at risk for no reason”.
He warned that Isla Cangrejo is becoming “one of the most dangerous black spots in the Canary Islands”, adding that just two weeks earlier several people were also dragged out of the pool by a large wave at the same location.
Quintana also suggested that, due to the lack of permanent supervision, access to the pool should be closed completely. He pointed out that Los Gigantes beach, located around 150 metres away, has lifeguard services. When that beach is closed, some people reportedly walk along the road to reach Isla Cangrejo instead.
Social media effect
The natural pool has gained popularity on social media in recent months, increasing visitor numbers and, according to safety experts, encouraging risky behaviour.
While acknowledging that the local council is doing everything within its means, Quintana said the situation shows that “reality is exceeding the council’s capacity to control it”.
Authorities are once again urging residents and visitors to respect coastal warnings and closures, stressing that sea conditions in the Canary Islands can change rapidly and become life-threatening within minutes.
Share:
