A Czech tourist lost his life after being swept into the sea while photographing the large waves in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, authorities confirmed on Thursday, April 11.
The 53-year-old man was caught by the waves on Wednesday afternoon, April 10, amid high tide and warnings of stormy conditions that posed a significant risk along the coast of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, a favorite destination for many European vacationers.
According to local government statements, emergency response teams were quick to retrieve the man from the ocean, but he succumbed shortly after the rescue. The Canary Islands had been placed under an alert for possible flooding and high waves, with predictions indicating that waves could reach up to 16 feet. In response to these dangerous conditions, authorities had urged the public to avoid coastal areas, particularly docks, breakwaters, coastal roads, and nautical activities.
The incident is part of a troubling trend observed in the region. On the mainland of Spain, similar perilous conditions last month led to the deaths of four people from various countries, who also fell into the sea during adverse weather events.
On the same day as the Czech tourist’s fatal accident, the local government took preventive measures by evacuating about 60 houses at risk from the encroaching storm surge.
Emergency services’ footage captured an air ambulance team’s effort to save the tourist amidst the challenging conditions, with the sea visibly turbulent in the background. Despite their efforts and the immediate deployment of a rescue helicopter, the man was already in cardiorespiratory arrest by the time he was airlifted. Attempts to resuscitate him during transport were unsuccessful, and he was declared dead on arrival at the helipad in La Guancha.
The Canary Islands, known for their scenic beauty and as a tourist haven, frequently experience high winds and waves, especially during seasonal changes. The region was under an orange alert for strong waves and winds at the time of the incident.
