Police Stop Tourist Attempting Proposal in Dangerous Canary Islands Coastal Zone
Police in Tenerife prevented a tourist from breaching safety barriers during Storm Therese after he attempted to access a dangerous coastal area to propose to his partner.
Storm Therese has put safety protocols to the test in the Canary Islands, as authorities increase patrols to keep people away from dangerous coastal swells. A recent incident in Tenerife highlights just how difficult it can be to enforce these safety restrictions during severe weather.
Late yesterday afternoon, local police in Santa Cruz de Tenerife were patrolling the high-risk areas of Roque de las Bodegas, Almáciga, and Benijo to ensure no one was putting themselves in danger. During their rounds, officers stopped a 27-year-old Ukrainian tourist who was trying to cross a security barrier. The man explained that he was planning to propose to his partner and even showed the officers the engagement ring and a picnic he had prepared, hoping they would let him through.
While the situation was unusual, it highlights the challenges police face when managing natural areas during weather alerts. Authorities have the power to close off coastal zones when rough seas pose a threat to life. In this case, the officers checked the couple’s passports and explained the serious risks posed by the rising surf. They ultimately convinced the tourists to abandon their plans and find a safer location.
This incident serves as a reminder of why it is so important to follow safety warnings in the Canary Islands. The power of the Atlantic Ocean can be unpredictable, and police are working hard to prevent accidents while Storm Therese keeps the archipelago on high alert.