A powerful wave swept four swimmers out to sea while they were swimming at a popular seawater pool on the western coast of Tenerife, Spain, leaving four dead and one missing. The victims, all foreign nationals, were from Romania and Slovakia, with no further information about their identities being released.
The incident occurred in the Isla Cangrejo pool, which is situated near sea level and bordered by volcanic rock on one side and a cement barrier that prevents swimmers from entering the ocean. However, local authorities had warned of rough seas and a weather advisory was in effect at the time of the tragedy.
Resident accounts suggested that swimmers had ignored warning signs and fencing, as well as the clear danger posed by the pool's location near rocky shores. "People...don't know how the sea is here, and the danger of the pool," said one local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "It's very dangerous."
A major rescue operation was launched on Sunday, with crews using jet skis and helicopters to locate and retrieve those in distress. Three bodies were recovered from the sea on Sunday, but a fourth victim died on Monday, just a day after being revived at the scene.
The Los Gigantes coast is known for its rough seas, which can easily overwhelm even the most secure barriers. In November, strong waves had already claimed three lives and injured 15 in Tenerife during a tidal surge.
Mayor Emilio Navarro offered condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the need for bathers to heed warning signs and take precautions during severe weather conditions. "We...ask people to pay attention to the signage put up by the authorities," he said, adding that rescue crews would continue searching for the missing swimmer.
The incident occurred in the Isla Cangrejo pool, which is situated near sea level and bordered by volcanic rock on one side and a cement barrier that prevents swimmers from entering the ocean. However, local authorities had warned of rough seas and a weather advisory was in effect at the time of the tragedy.
Resident accounts suggested that swimmers had ignored warning signs and fencing, as well as the clear danger posed by the pool's location near rocky shores. "People...don't know how the sea is here, and the danger of the pool," said one local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "It's very dangerous."
A major rescue operation was launched on Sunday, with crews using jet skis and helicopters to locate and retrieve those in distress. Three bodies were recovered from the sea on Sunday, but a fourth victim died on Monday, just a day after being revived at the scene.
The Los Gigantes coast is known for its rough seas, which can easily overwhelm even the most secure barriers. In November, strong waves had already claimed three lives and injured 15 in Tenerife during a tidal surge.
Mayor Emilio Navarro offered condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the need for bathers to heed warning signs and take precautions during severe weather conditions. "We...ask people to pay attention to the signage put up by the authorities," he said, adding that rescue crews would continue searching for the missing swimmer.
This is such a terrible tragedy... those poor swimmers didn't stand a chance with the warning signs and fencing ignored 
. The location of the pool near rocky shores is just asking for trouble 
. I'm glad the rescue team was able to recover 3 bodies on Sunday, but it's devastating that one more life was lost just yesterday 
. It's a harsh reminder to always prioritize safety when swimming in rough conditions 
. The mayor's message about paying attention to warning signs is spot on 
, we should all be more aware of the dangers and take necessary precautions 
. Fingers crossed for the missing swimmer and their loved ones 
this is so sad 
i mean, who doesn't know about rough seas in Tenerife? it's like they were swimming with their eyes closed or something 
pools near rocky shores are just not safe, you gotta be careful! and what's with ignoring warning signs and fencing? 
those things are there for a reason. major kudos to the rescue crews who worked tirelessly to save lives 
but 4 people is way too many 
my heart goes out to the families of the victims 
the pool's design is basically a ticking time bomb 
shouldn't be surprised when people get swept out to sea in such conditions. The authorities are right to warn people about rough seas and weather advisories, but still...some swimmers just can't take the hint 
. I'm not saying it's the pool's fault or anything, but maybe they should reconsider their location? 
it's not like it's a new thing for the coast to be rough in Tenerife...just a matter of common sense, you know? 
Four lives lost and one still missing, that's just devastating 
. It's just common sense when it comes to swimming in rough seas 
.
. I mean, I get it, rough seas can be deadly, but come on folks! You're warned, you ignore the signs, and now what? 
OMG what a tragedy 
. Can you even imagine? The sea can be so unpredictable and deadly, especially when there are warning signs and barriers in place... it's just so frustrating 
. I hope the rescue crew finds the missing swimmer soon 
, and I'm sending all my positive vibes to the families of the victims 
. Rest in peace to those who didn't make it 
.
hope they catch that missing swimmer ASAP 
. Four dead, one missing, and it all happened in a pool with warning signs and fences around it... sounds like a setup to me. I mean, what are the chances that every single person who ignores those warnings just happens to get swept out to sea at the same time? 