Tourists Drowned in Tenerife After Ignoring Barricades to Access Natural Pool
A tragic incident unfolded in Tenerife on a Sunday, resulting in four fatalities due to drowning. The victims, all tourists aged between 35 and 55, were swept away by large waves while swimming in a natural pool known as ‘Charco de Isla Cangrejo’ at Acantilado de los Gigantes in the municipality of Santiago del Teide. Additionally, a search is ongoing for a fifth individual who was also engulfed by the sea.
Incident Details and Responses
The tragic event occurred after a significant wave struck the natural pool, which had been closed to swimming since December 3 due to warnings of adverse sea conditions. Despite barricades, warnings in multiple languages, and a sign depicting the dangers of strong waves, around twenty individuals were present at the site, including foreign and Spanish tourists.
Local Authorities’ Actions
Emilio Navarro, the mayor of Santiago del Teide, reported that four of the deceased were Romanian and Slovak nationals. The mayor also indicated that this area has a history of dangerous incidents during rough sea conditions.
- Deaths: Four tourists died, one later in the hospital.
- Missing Person: Search ongoing for one additional victim.
- Warnings Ignored: Signage and barriers were not effective in preventing access.
Local authorities expressed concerns about the difficulty of controlling access to the pool during hazardous conditions, highlighting that tourists often disregard safety measures. Mayor Navarro acknowledged that agents had faced difficulty in managing crowds and reiterated the importance of following safety protocols.
Recent History of Drownings
This incident is part of a worrying trend, as there have been multiple reports of near-drownings and fatalities in the same area. Notably, just a month prior, three people lost their lives in similar circumstances on the island.
- Recent incidents include:
- Two young tourists almost drowned earlier this month.
- A British tourist died after being swept away by a wave in January.
- Accidents in Puerto de la Cruz led to one fatality among ten people swept into the sea.
While natural swimming pools can be safe during calm conditions, their inherent risks amplify during storms or when waves are strong. Sadly, many visitors overlook these dangers, often leading to tragic outcomes.
