A warning for severe weather has been issued for the Canary Islands this weekend, with predictions of high waves. Spain’s state meteorological agency, AEMET, has cautioned about a hazardous mix of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and perilous seas. This alert follows a recent tragic incident where four tourists lost their lives, and one remains missing, at the Charco de Isla Cangrejo natural pool in Tenerife.
Expectations include waves exceeding 4.8 meters (16ft) on average, with the potential for swells reaching up to 10 meters (33ft) at their peak. The dangerous coastal conditions are anticipated to impact the region later today and persist through Saturday. The weather agency has highlighted Saturday as a day of particular danger due to the expected intense northerly winds.
Both tourists and locals have been advised to adhere to safety protocols and keep updated through official communication channels. Further details are anticipated to be disclosed later in the day.
This news comes just a week after the tragic incident where four tourists lost their lives to massive waves, with one individual still unaccounted for. The unfortunate event occurred at the Charco de Isla Cangrejo natural pool in Los Gigantes, Tenerife, on December 7.
Around 20 people disregarded official closures and ventured past police barriers to swim at the popular tourist spot.
Emilio Navarro, the mayor of Santiago del Teide municipality, mentioned in an interview with a local TV station that all those affected were tourists. He expressed frustration at the challenges in conveying the ocean’s dangers, citing instances where police tape had to be repeatedly replaced due to breakage caused by individuals ignoring warnings.
In a similar scenario in November, three individuals lost their lives on the island, including a Dutch cruise passenger, when a group of 10 people were swept into the sea in Tenerife. This tragic incident took place in the renowned resort of Puerto de la Cruz, situated in the island’s northern region and a popular tourist destination.
