A British tourist, aged 60, tragically lost his life after being swept into the sea by a powerful wave in Tenerife, Spain. The incident occurred at the Los Gigantes natural swimming pool, a popular tourist destination also known as Crab Island Pool, located in the municipality of Santiago del Teide on the island’s western coast. Two women, also caught in the wave’s surge, managed to reach safety, one sustaining minor injuries and the other experiencing a panic attack. It remains unclear whether the survivors were related to or acquainted with the deceased British tourist, and their nationalities have not yet been confirmed by authorities.

The tragedy unfolded just before midday. Emergency services, including a rescue helicopter and firefighters, swiftly responded to the distress call. The British tourist was found face down in the water, retrieved by the helicopter, and transported to a nearby football ground. Despite immediate efforts to revive him from cardiac arrest, resuscitation attempts proved unsuccessful. One of the female survivors was taken to a local health center for treatment of minor injuries to her lower limbs. The other woman, suffering from a panic attack, did not require hospitalization and was attended to at the scene.

The Los Gigantes natural swimming pool, while offering picturesque views and a refreshing dip in the ocean, is known for its potential dangers, particularly during periods of strong waves and swells. Although a concrete wall provides some protection for bathers, online travel resources caution against entering the pool when ocean waves are high, as they can unexpectedly wash over the barrier. Local officials had issued warnings throughout the week, urging residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution near the sea due to the prevailing strong swell and heavy waves, highlighting the inherent risks associated with the current sea conditions.

A spokesman for a regional government-run emergency response coordination centre detailed the sequence of events. The alarm was raised around midday, reporting three individuals swept into the sea by a powerful wave. The 60-year-old British man was recovered from the water in a state of cardiac arrest. Despite the swift response and the efforts of medical personnel, he could not be revived. The two female survivors managed to extricate themselves from the water, with one requiring treatment for minor injuries. This incident underscores the importance of heeding safety warnings and respecting the power of the ocean, especially in areas known for unpredictable wave patterns.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the precise cause of death for the British tourist, clarifying whether he drowned or succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident. Police investigations are underway, and a report will be submitted to the local court overseeing the routine inquiry into the tourist’s death. This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers present even in seemingly idyllic coastal settings.

This incident follows another near-tragedy in the same vicinity earlier this year. In April, a British man sustained serious injuries after misjudging a jump into the sea at Charco El Tancon, a nearby sea cave. He was retrieved from the rocks and transported for medical treatment. In May 2017, a 30-year-old British tourist lost his life after being struck by a wave and falling into the sea near the same cave, highlighting the recurring dangers in this area. These incidents underscore the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, respecting the power of the ocean, and exercising caution in coastal areas, particularly during periods of strong waves and unpredictable sea conditions.

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