Three dead and 15 hurt after rough seas pull people into the ocean in Tenerife

"Three people have died and at least 15 were injured in separate incidents linked to rough seas battering the Spanish island of Tenerife, pulling several victims into the ocean, emergency services said. A rescue helicopter airlifted a man who had fallen into the water at a beach in La Guancha, a municipality in the north of the island, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital."

"A woman suffered a fatal heart attack when a giant wave swept 10 people into the sea in the northern city of Puerto de la Cruz. El Dia reported that the woman was a 79-year-old Dutch citizen. Emergency services said on social media that several people fell into the water after a sudden tidal surge. Police and bystanders fought to rescue the group after an unexpectedly high wave crashed into a pier near the harbour, dragging them into the ocean."

"At least five people were injured at Roque de las Bodega beach in the north-eastern corner of the island when a strong wave towed them into the sea. El Dia said all were French tourists. Tenerife is one of the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa. Emergency services had previously issued a warning for sudden sea surges and strong winds, which are common in autumn and winter, and the archipelago is on further alert for coastal hazards."

Rough seas around Tenerife caused multiple incidents that left three people dead and at least 15 injured after sudden tidal surges and giant waves pulled victims into the ocean. A fisherman in La Guancha fell from a considerable height and was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital. A man was found floating at El Cabezo beach and died at the scene. In Puerto de la Cruz, a giant wave swept ten people into the sea; a 79-year-old Dutch woman suffered a fatal heart attack and three victims were seriously injured. At least five French tourists were injured at Roque de las Bodega beach. Emergency services warned of sudden sea surges and strong winds and urged the public to avoid exposed piers and breakwaters.

Read at www.theguardian.com