Helicopter Rescues Stranded Sailors Amid Storm 'Therese' in Tenerife
A helicopter rescue team successfully airlifted the occupants of a stranded sailboat in Tenerife on Friday as Storm Therese brought dangerous weather conditions to the Canary Islands.
Storm 'Therese' brought dangerous conditions to the Canary Islands this Friday, putting emergency teams to the test along the Tenerife coastline. According to the 112 Canarias emergency center, a sailboat became stranded in the El Médano area of Granadilla de Abona, triggering a complex aerial rescue.
The incident, which occurred around 2:20 p.m., highlighted the risks recreational boats face during the severe weather currently hitting the south of the island. Because high winds and rough seas made it impossible for rescue boats to reach the vessel, a helicopter from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) was deployed. The aircrew successfully airlifted the occupants to safety, where they received immediate medical attention.
This rescue comes as authorities maintain a weather alert across the islands. Strong winds and turbulent seas are making both nautical activities and rescue operations increasingly difficult. Emergency services are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and stay away from the coastline while the current warnings remain in place, noting that the severity of the storm significantly limits their ability to respond to emergencies.