A fisherman has died after falling into the sea while fishing from a remote cliffside area in the north of Gran Canaria this morning (Friday).

The incident happened at Punta del Caletón, in the municipality of Arucas, where emergency services were alerted just before 9:00am after reports that a man had fallen into the water in an area known for its steep cliffs and difficult access.

A major rescue operation was launched involving the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC), the Gran Canaria Emergency Consortium, Maritime Rescue, the Guardia Civil and the Local Police.

Firefighters managed to reach the area where the fisherman had fallen, around 400 metres from the coastline, while an aerial rescue operation then took place.

A Maritime Rescue helicopter later recovered the man and flew him to the helipad at Doctor Negrín University Hospital in Las Palmas.

Despite the efforts of emergency crews, medical staff confirmed his death shortly after arrival at the hospital.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim, and an investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.