A severe weather alert has been issued for the Canary Islands this weekend, with forecasts predicting towering waves. The state meteorological agency of Spain, AEMET, has cautioned about the dangerous combination of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and perilous seas. This warning comes shortly after a tragic incident where four tourists lost their lives and one remains missing at the Charco de Isla Cangrejo natural pool in Los Gigantes, Tenerife.
Expectations are for waves exceeding 4.8 meters (16ft) on average, with the possibility of swells reaching heights of up to 10 meters (33ft). The hazardous coastal conditions are anticipated to impact the region later today and persist through Saturday. The meteorological agency highlighted that Saturday’s sea conditions would be particularly hazardous, coupled with very intense northerly winds.
Both tourists and locals have been advised to adhere to safety protocols and stay informed through official channels for further updates. Additional information is anticipated to be disclosed later today.
This news follows the recent incident where four tourists perished due to massive waves, and one individual remains missing. The tragic event transpired at the Charco de Isla Cangrejo natural pool in Los Gigantes, Tenerife on December 7. Approximately 20 individuals ignored official closures and crossed police barriers to swim at the popular tourist spot.
Emilio Navarro, the mayor of the Santiago del Teide municipality, conveyed to a local TV station that all the casualties were tourists, including a group of Slovakians and Italians, who disregarded the police barriers. He expressed the challenges in conveying the dangers of the ocean, mentioning the frequent need to replace the tape due to its breakage.
Notably, three individuals lost their lives under similar circumstances in November on the island, including a Dutch cruise passenger, during an incident where ten people were swept into the sea in Tenerife. This tragedy unfolded in the renowned resort of Puerto de la Cruz, situated in the island’s north and a popular holiday destination in the region.