VIDEO: Ferries struggle to dock and several cancelled due to storm conditions in the Canaries
A ferry operated by Fred. Olsen Express experienced serious difficulties docking at the port of Las Nieves, in Agaete (Gran Canaria), on Saturday due to extremely rough seas caused by Storm Emilia. The incident comes as all the Canary Islands remain under a maximum alert for dangerous coastal conditions.
Footage circulating on social media shows it being pushed sideways by powerful waves as it attempted to approach the harbour. During the manoeuvre, the ferry is visibly forced to change direction several times as the heavy swell and turbulent sea conditions make docking extremely challenging.
The situation at sea has been widely documented by passengers with numerous videos highlighting just how severe conditions are between the islands. Canary Islands Television journalist Tania Sánchez shared footage of a crossing between Tenerife and La Gomera operated by Naviera Armas, showing constant rolling and heavy swell throughout the journey.
In a stark warning to travellers, she commented on social media: “Experiencing Storm Emilia on an Armas ferry from Los Cristianos to La Gomera is something I recommend you avoid.”
Another passenger reported serious problems on a crossing between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. According to those on board, once the ferry reached the port in Fuerteventura it was unable to allow passengers to disembark due to the state of the sea, forcing the vessel to return to Lanzarote with everyone still on board.
Ferry services cancelled
As a direct result of the storm, several maritime connections have been cancelled across the archipelago. All ferry services between Lanzarote and La Graciosa remain suspended.
Fred. Olsen Express has cancelled sailings between Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) and Corralejo (Fuerteventura), as well as the Tenerife–Gran Canaria route scheduled for 8.00pm. Meanwhile, Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea has suspended its Las Palmas de Gran Canaria–Morro Jable (Fuerteventura) service.
Waves up to 12 metres forecast
Saturday has been marked by a rapid deterioration in sea conditions, with waves already reaching heights of seven metres. Forecasts warn that waves could peak at between eight and nine metres, and in some exposed areas possibly up to 12 metres.
Meteorologist Vicky Palma, head of the Canary Islands Government’s Risk Analysis and Operational Planning Unit, warned that the situation remains extremely dangerous. She explained that strong winds at sea are pushing in the same direction as the swell, worsening wave conditions along the coast.
She also cautioned against a “false sense of security” during low tide. While sea levels may temporarily drop, wave heights are expected to rise again significantly with the next high tide, particularly between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, when a strong swell of six to seven metres is forecast.
According to Palma, conditions should begin to improve gradually during the early hours of Sunday as winds ease and the storm system weakens.
Strong advice for residents and tourists
Authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to avoid coastal areas, ports and promenades, and to respect all safety barriers and restrictions. Maritime travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary while the maximum coastal alert remains in force.
Storm Emilia has already caused widespread disruption across the Canary Islands, with more than 1,100 incidents recorded, and officials stress that caution over the coming hours remains essential.
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