Tragic Wave Incident Claims Four Lives at Tenerife Natural Pool
A devastating wave incident at a popular natural swimming pool on Tenerife has claimed four lives, with one person still missing as search operations continue. The tragedy occurred at the Charco de Isla Cangrejo (Crab Island Pool) in Los Gigantes on the west coast of the Spanish holiday island, where powerful waves swept multiple people into the sea on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Victims and Rescue Efforts
Spanish authorities have confirmed four fatalities: a 35-year-old man, a 55-year-old woman, and another man whose age has not been confirmed were recovered on Sunday. A fourth victim, a woman who was initially resuscitated after cardiac arrest and airlifted to a hospital, died on Monday, according to Spanish broadcaster RTVE. Emergency services continue searching for a fifth person, a woman who remains missing.
Rescue operations involved helicopters, jet skis, and multiple emergency teams who worked to pull victims from the turbulent waters. Witnesses described two powerful waves that unexpectedly surged into the swimming area, dragging people out to sea.
Ignored Safety Warnings
The tragedy occurred despite clear safety warnings and physical barriers. The natural pool had been officially closed since December 3 due to dangerous wave conditions, with fencing and warning signs in Spanish, English, and German. Mayor Emilio Navarro of Santiago del Teide expressed frustration, stating: 'We do everything to deny people access to these areas and prevent incidents like yesterday's, but it's difficult to monitor the entire coastline and have police officers everywhere.'
According to local reports, approximately 20 people, mostly tourists of various nationalities, were present at the closed location during high tide when waves reached 2-3 meters. Some reportedly crawled under fences to access the area. 'It could have been prevented if people simply respected the signs and the seals that were placed,' the mayor added in an interview with RTVE.
Dangerous Canary Islands Coastline
This incident highlights the ongoing dangers of the Canary Islands coastline. According to data from the Association for the Prevention of Accidental Drownings, approximately 60 drowning fatalities have been recorded across all Canary Islands since January 2025, with Tenerife reporting the highest number at 19 deaths. The data shows that 38% of deceased individuals entered the sea during pre-alerts or alerts for adverse coastal conditions.
This tragedy follows a similar incident just one month earlier when three people, including a 79-year-old Dutch woman, died from high waves on Tenerife, with fifteen others injured, as reported by NOS.
Tourist Safety Concerns
The incident raises serious questions about tourist safety and awareness at natural coastal attractions. The Charco de Isla Cangrejo is a popular spot with foreign vacationers, featuring volcanic rock formations and a cement barrier separating it from the open sea. However, during rough conditions, waves can easily overcome these barriers.
Local authorities have expressed concern about social media promoting dangerous locations to tourists seeking picturesque spots. The town hall has declared three days of official mourning, and safety campaigns are being reinforced to prevent future tragedies.
As search operations continue for the missing person, emergency services urge all visitors to respect coastal safety warnings, heed weather alerts, and avoid closed areas during hazardous conditions. The Canary Islands remain under weather warnings with waves forecast to reach 2-5 meters in some areas.