Reckless Boating Incidents Spark Safety Concerns for Divers in Canary Islands
A viral video showing a boat speeding over a diver’s buoy in Tenerife has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of maritime safety regulations following a series of dangerous near-misses and accidents along the Canary Islands coastline.
Safety along the Canary Islands coastline is back in the spotlight after a video shared by the @attack.fishing social media account captured a dangerous incident in La Caleta de Adeje. The footage shows a recreational boat speeding directly over a diver’s safety buoy last Friday, August 21—a reckless maneuver that could easily have been fatal.
This is not an isolated case; it is part of a growing trend of dangerous behavior at sea. The issue is particularly concerning following a serious accident in Radazul last June, where a 30-year-old spearfisherman was struck by a boat and suffered an amputation, forcing him to swim to shore for help. These repeated incidents have sparked public outrage, with many calling for stricter enforcement and urging witnesses to report such reckless conduct to the Civil Guard.
Maritime regulations are clear: all skippers must follow the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Maritime Rescue emphasizes that when a diver’s buoy (typically bright red or orange) or the international 'A' flag is visible, boaters must exercise extreme caution. Regulations require vessels to maintain a safety distance of at least 25 meters from these markers. Ignoring this basic rule turns a day of leisure into a life-threatening situation for divers. Failing to keep this distance is not only a legal offense but also highlights a dangerous lack of nautical awareness that authorities are now working to address through increased surveillance and public safety campaigns.