Killer waves hit the shores of Tenerife: Many people swept into the sea
A 79-year-old Dutch woman was among three people who died on Saturday after unexpected high waves hit the coast of Tenerife, sweeping several people into the sea and injuring others, local media reported. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that consular assistance was provided to her family.
The woman died near the port of Puerto de la Cruz late in the afternoon, according to the newspaper El Día. Nine other people were injured when a strong wave swept them from the pier into the ocean.
Similar incidents occurred across the island, including in La Guancha, Granadilla, and Anaga. Among the other victims is a 43-year-old Spanish man and another man whose identity has not yet been confirmed. Several other people, including French tourists, were also injured at these locations.
Authorities in the Canary Islands had issued warnings about high waves, but some visitors ignored the barriers set up to mark dangerous areas along the coast. Footage published by La Radio Canaria showed the moment waves swept people off the pier in Puerto de la Cruz. Emergency services confirmed that the injured were taken to several hospitals across Tenerife.
Authorities urged the public to stay away from the edges of the sidewalks and wave breakers and to avoid stopping to take pictures or record videos of the waves. They emphasized that coastal areas remain extremely dangerous as the waves continue to rise.