A severe weather alert has been issued for the Canary Islands this weekend, with forecasts indicating the likelihood of large waves. Spain’s state meteorological agency, AEMET, has cautioned about the dangerous combination of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and hazardous sea conditions. This warning closely follows a recent incident in which four tourists lost their lives, with one still missing, at the Charco de Isla Cangrejo natural pool in Tenerife.
Wave heights are expected to exceed 4.8 meters (16ft) on average, with the potential for swells reaching up to 10 meters (33ft) at their peak. The treacherous coastal conditions are anticipated to impact the region later today and persist through Saturday. AEMET has highlighted that the seas on Saturday are expected to be particularly perilous, accompanied by extremely strong northerly winds.
Both tourists and locals have been advised to adhere to safety protocols and stay informed through official channels for updates. Further details are set to be disclosed later today.
The recent news follows a tragic incident just a week ago, where four tourists were swept away by massive waves, resulting in casualties, and one individual still missing. The accident unfolded at the Charco de Isla Cangrejo natural pool in Los Gigantes, Tenerife, on December 7.
Approximately 20 individuals disregarded official warnings and crossed police barriers to swim at the popular tourist spot. Emilio Navarro, mayor of Santiago del Teide municipality, expressed concerns over the incident, emphasizing that all those injured or deceased were tourists. He mentioned challenges faced by authorities in conveying the ocean’s dangers, as visitors frequently breach safety measures despite warnings.
In a similar scenario in November, three individuals lost their lives on the island, including a Dutch cruise passenger, when ten people were swept into the sea in Tenerife. The tragic event occurred in the well-known resort of Puerto de la Cruz, situated in the northern part of the island, a favored holiday destination in the area.