Search continues for fifth victim of Tenerife wave tragedy
The search for the fifth missing person continues this Tuesday morning following Sunday’s tragic incident at the Isla Cangrejo natural pool in Santiago del Teide, Tenerife, where four tourists lost their lives after being swept away by a powerful wave.
According to the Guardia Civil, the search operation was restarted at 8:00am and is expected to continue until sunset. The ongoing mission involves Maritime Rescue vessels and the Helimer rescue helicopter, alongside the Guardia Civil’s Maritime Service and the GEAS underwater unit, combining sea and land searches to locate the missing individual.
Ongoing Coastal Warnings in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands remain under a pre-alert for coastal phenomena, with combined sea swells and waves between three and 4.5 metres, particularly dangerous during high tide. Authorities have warned that conditions may remain unstable for the next few days.
The natural pool at Isla Cangrejo, where the tragedy occurred, had been fenced off and clearly marked as dangerous, with warning signs in several languages. Despite this, numerous tourists reportedly ignored the restrictions and accessed the area on Sunday afternoon, when rough seas struck with devastating force.
Authorities Urge Maximum Caution
Following the fatal incident, local authorities have called for the permanent closure of the Isla Cangrejo natural pool, arguing that repeated warnings and physical barriers have failed to prevent visitors from entering the site.
The Government of the Canary Islands continues to urge both residents and tourists to stay away from coastal areas, especially those exposed to large waves, and to follow all safety instructions issued by emergency services.
As search efforts continue for the missing person, officials have reiterated a stark reminder: the Atlantic’s power must never be underestimated — safety warnings are there to save lives.
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