Four Rescued by Air After Getting Trapped by Rough Seas in Tenerife

This Wednesday served as a stark reminder of the dangers swimmers face along the Tenerife coastline during rough weather. Emergency services reported that four people had to be rescued by air after being trapped by strong waves at two different locations in the south of the island. These incidents highlight the need for extreme caution in remote or unmonitored swimming spots, where volcanic rocks and unpredictable currents can quickly turn a day at the beach into a life-threatening emergency.

The 1-1-2 Emergency Coordination Center (Cecoes) managed the response, deploying the Canary Islands’ Emergency and Rescue Group (GES) and Maritime Rescue teams. The first incident occurred just before 2:00 p.m. near Los Gigantes in Santiago del Teide. Two women, aged 42 and 21, were rescued after being pushed against rocks by the rough sea. Paramedics confirmed they suffered only minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment. Firefighters and the Civil Guard provided ground support during the operation.

Less than an hour later, rescue teams were called out again to Montaña Amarilla in San Miguel de Abona. A man and a woman were trapped by the sea, requiring the Helimer helicopter based at Tenerife South Airport to airlift them to safety. Like the first group, they were treated on-site for minor injuries and did not need to be taken to a hospital. Local police also assisted at the scene. These events serve as a vital reminder to always check weather alerts, as the Atlantic conditions around the islands can change rapidly and demand constant vigilance.