Three Dead in Separate Incidents

A series of powerful waves tragically cut short three lives and left fifteen other people injured along the coast of Tenerife, one of Spain's Canary Islands, on Saturday, 9 November 2025. According to statements from the Canary Islands' emergency services released on Sunday, the incidents occurred in four different locations as a result of a severe tidal surge that battered the island.

The fatalities were recorded in separate events across the island. In the northern municipality of La Guancha, a man was swept into the ocean. A rescue helicopter airlifted him, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, as reported by multiple news agencies. Another man was found deceased in the water near El Cabezo beach in the southern municipality of Granadilla de Abona; resuscitation efforts by lifeguards and medical personnel were unsuccessful. The third fatality occurred in the northern resort town of Puerto de la Cruz, where a large wave swept ten people into the sea from a pier. An elderly Dutch woman suffered a fatal heart attack during the ordeal.

Tourists Among the Casualties

The violent waves affected both locals and international visitors. Among the injured were several foreign nationals, underscoring the event's impact on the international tourist community. At Roque de las Bodegas beach, five French tourists were injured when a wave pulled them into the sea, according to the Spanish newspaper El Día. The incident in Puerto de la Cruz that resulted in the death of a 79-year-old Dutch citizen also left three others seriously injured.

The events unfolded throughout Saturday afternoon, East Africa Time. The first major incident was reported around midday at Roque de Las Bodegas beach. Later, at approximately 5:00 PM EAT, the fatal incident at the Puerto de la Cruz pier occurred. Emergency response teams, including helicopters and ambulances, were deployed across the affected coastal areas to conduct rescue operations and provide medical assistance.

Official Warnings Preceded Tragedy

Spanish authorities and meteorological agencies had issued advance warnings regarding the dangerous coastal conditions. The Canary Islands Government had placed the region on a pre-alert for hazardous coastal phenomena, citing the risk of a significant tidal surge and strong winds with waves expected to reach heights of up to four or five meters. Officials had explicitly advised the public, including tourists, to stay away from coastal paths, piers, and breakwaters and to refrain from taking photos or videos of the rough seas. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of disregarding such official advisories.

Relevance for Kenyan Travellers

While there have been no official reports from the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming if any Kenyan nationals were affected by the tidal surge, the tragedy in Tenerife offers crucial lessons for the Kenyan public. As international travel becomes more accessible, it is imperative for Kenyan citizens to remain vigilant and prioritize safety. This includes registering with Kenyan embassies abroad, monitoring local news and weather alerts in their travel destinations, and strictly adhering to safety warnings issued by local authorities. The events in Spain are a powerful illustration that natural phenomena can escalate quickly, and preparedness is key to ensuring personal safety. At the time of this report, no specific travel advisory for Spain has been issued by the Kenyan government in response to this incident. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.