Four people have died and one remains unaccounted for after a powerful wave swept a group of swimmers out of a popular seawater pool on Tenerife’s western coast, Spanish officials confirmed on Monday.
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Rescue teams recovered three bodies on Sunday: a 35-year-old man, a 55-year-old woman and another man whose details have not yet been released. The large-scale operation deployed jet skis and helicopters, working across challenging sea conditions to locate those carried away by the surge. A fourth victim, a woman, died on Monday after being revived at the scene and flown to hospital.
Authorities have not disclosed further information about the identities of those involved.
The incident occurred at the Isla Cangrejo pool, near the Los Gigantes coastline, an area widely frequented by international visitors. The pool, flanked by volcanic rock on one side and separated from the ocean by a low concrete wall on the other, sits almost at sea level — leaving it particularly vulnerable during rough seas when waves can spill over the barrier with force.
Local reports indicate that a weather alert for hazardous sea conditions had been in place at the time. One outlet noted that the pool had been officially closed to the public since 3 December. Residents told reporters that some swimmers had ignored warning signs and fencing installed to prevent entry during dangerous conditions. They added that anyone swept over the barrier can struggle to gain footing on the slippery rocks below.
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Emilio Navarro, mayor of Santiago del Teide, extended his condolences to the victims’ families and confirmed that search efforts continued on Monday for the missing swimmer. He stressed that authorities consistently take measures to warn the public and restrict access when conditions become unsafe.
“We urge everyone to respect the signage put in place,” he said. “It exists to safeguard and protect all who visit.”
