Police Intervene After Minor Caught Spearfishing in Prohibited Santa Cruz Zone
Local authorities in Santa Cruz de Tenerife have launched disciplinary proceedings after a 14-year-old boy was caught spearfishing illegally in a restricted swimming zone at San Andrés.
Safety along the Santa Cruz de Tenerife coastline is back in the spotlight after local police intervened in San Andrés this Sunday. The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing recreational fishing with the safety of swimmers in busy areas.
Officers from the Anaga surveillance unit spotted a 14-year-old boy spearfishing in an area strictly reserved for swimming. To reach him, police coordinated with a Red Cross rescue boat from Las Teresitas beach. When intercepted, the boy was found with a speargun and two fish, which were released back into the sea.
The incident has triggered disciplinary proceedings due to several legal violations. Under current regulations, spearfishing requires a second-class license, which cannot legally be issued to minors. Furthermore, using a speargun requires a federation license and mandatory civil liability insurance—neither of which the youth possessed.
After identifying the minor and contacting his parents, authorities filed reports for both fishing in a prohibited zone and lacking the necessary permits. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of coastal surveillance, which aims to protect marine life and ensure the safety of beachgoers by keeping dangerous fishing equipment away from crowded swimming areas.