Man attempts suicide by throwing himself into the sea during Storm Francis
A 55-year-old man was rescued from the sea in Tenerife on New Year’s Day, after attempting to end his life by jumping into the dangerous swell on the coast of Punta del Hidalgo in La Laguna, caused by Storm Francis.
The man, referred to as Joaquín (a fictitious name), is homeless and has been living on the streets for months with his 67-year-old partner. Emergency services report that his severe and worsening mental health appears to have driven the suicide attempt as waves intensified along the Tenerife coastline.
Thanks to the swift and highly risky intervention of the year-round lifeguard team stationed at Punta del Hidalgo, Joaquín was pulled alive from the water. One lifeguard entered the sea to provide buoyancy support and guide him beyond the breaking waves, while another entered shortly after to assist.
The pair ultimately managed to tow him nearly 500 metres to the entrance of the fishing harbour, where helpers onshore threw a lifeline to complete the rescue.
The operation became even more complex when Joaquín suffered an aggressive psychiatric panic attack during the extraction, forcing rescuers to temporarily distance themselves before regaining control. He was taken to the Canary Islands University Hospital (HUC) with signs of hypothermia, where he remains under medical evaluation pending a decision on whether he will be admitted.
This is not the first time Joaquín and his partner, known here as Ana, have suffered during severe weather. During last month’s Storm Emilia, the couple endured another night of extreme hardship before Joaquín was taken to hospital, only to be discharged back onto the streets a day later. Ana explained that his mental state is deteriorating rapidly and that he requires specialised long-term care that she has been unable to get for him.
Social services in La Laguna have been working with the couple, but local authorities acknowledge that available resources are insufficient for cases requiring intensive psychiatric support. Ana expressed gratitude for the assistance received but stressed that a shelter is not a safe option for her partner without constant monitoring.
Municipal sources described Joaquín as a psychiatric patient with schizophrenia and suicidal thoughts, entering the sea near the Punta del Hidalgo natural pool while wearing heavy clothing as strong waves broke over the area. A yellow flag was in place at the time due to hazardous sea conditions.
The case highlights the broader crisis of homelessness in Tenerife, where more than 2,800 people are estimated to be living in situations of extreme residential exclusion, particularly in Santa Cruz, La Laguna, as well as in Adeje, Arona and San Miguel in the south of the island.
Rising rents and a shortage of affordable housing continue to drive the problem, with charities warning that existing shelters and outreach units are insufficient to meet growing demand.
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