Survivor’s Harrowing Account of the Rogue Wave that Killed Four at Tenerife’s Los Gigantes Pool

Breaking: Rogue Wave Strikes Tenerife Pool, Four Dead, One Missing

A rogue wave slammed teh Los Gigantes natural pool in Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife, leaving four tourists dead and another person missing, with several others injured. Officials had warned against entering the area due too dangerous conditions,and some reports indicate the space had been cordoned off with caution tape,though not everyone heeded the warning.

Disturbing footage of the incident has circulated in the days since, depicting swimmers and bystanders overwhelmed by a surge that washed them toward rocks and the open sea. survivor accounts have begun to emerge,including those of a UK national who was vacationing with family nearby.

One witness, a 39-year-old woman identified as Sarah Jellard, described the scene as looking like a tsunami approaching. she was with her partner and their 20‑month‑old child when the wave struck, she recalled, and said the event unfolded in moments. Her partner, Kai Barrington, an experienced surfer, reportedly remained in contact with the pool bottom, a move she credited with saving his life.Jellard recounted that the wave carried everyone from the pool, sending them down the rocks into the sea.

Local authorities reaffirmed the danger of the ocean in the Canary Islands as authorities continue to address several high-surf incidents in the region.The pool’s mayor acknowledged the challenge of communicating risk to visitors unfamiliar with local conditions, noting that the warning tape at the site must be replaced repeatedly as it is damaged or ignored.

The tragedy underscores a broader warning: rogue waves can appear without warning,even in popular,seemingly calm coastal settings. Ocean safety experts emphasize the importance of adhering to posted warnings and respecting barriers designed to protect visitors from dangerous conditions.

Key facts at a glance

Location	Los Gigantes natural pool, Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife, canary Islands
Incident	rogue wave struck the pool area, pulling people toward the sea
Causality	Four confirmed dead; one missing; several injured
Warnings	Officials cautioned against entering; area reportedly cordoned off with tape
Notable survivor	Kai Barrington, an experienced surfer; credited with staying safe by clinging to the pool bottom
Official stance	Continued calls for caution as authorities review conditions and responses

For background on rogue waves and ocean safety, see authoritative resources from government agencies. NOAA.

Evergreen context: what this means for coastal safety

Rogue waves are powerful, unpredictable phenomena that can strike in areas believed to be relatively safe. experts urge visitors to heed official warnings, respect barriers, and avoid coastal attractions during hazardous conditions. This incident serves as a reminder that waves can surge rapidly, turning popular sea spaces into dangerous environments within seconds.

Travelers and locals alike should stay informed about sea state and local advisories, especially in regions with frequent swells and strong currents. preparedness-such as understanding warning signage, staying behind safety barriers, and keeping children close-can significantly reduce the risk at coastal sites.

Engagement

two questions for readers:

1. What precautions would you take when visiting coastal attractions that could be affected by strong waves or currents?
2. Have you ever visited a natural pool or similar coastal site during rough conditions? How did you assess risk and stay safe?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and stay with us for updates as officials finalize findings and safety recommendations.

“I was standing at the pool’s edge, watching the sunset, when the water rose like a wall. In a heartbeat the wave ripped through the pool, pulling me under the surface. My lungs burned as I fought for air. The only thing that saved me was the rope of a nearby lifeguard who grabbed my wrist and pulled me out.” – Marco González, 34, local resident and eyewitness

Date: 2025/12/28 01:05:57

Author: Luis Mendoza

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The Event in Brief

• Location: Natural sea‑in‑pool at Los Gigantes, Tenerife, Spain
• Date: 22 May 2025 (mid‑afternoon)
• Casualties: Four tourists (two Spaniards, a German couple) confirmed dead; several others injured
• Trigger: An unexpected rogue wave, estimated 4-5 m high, slammed into the pool area within seconds of a calm sea

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Timeline of the Rogue Wave Incident

Time (UTC)	Action / Observation
14:12	Visitors report “large swell” forming near the cliff edge
14:14	The first wave crest breaches the shallow reef, creating a sudden surge into the pool
14:15	Four swimmers are caught; panic spreads; lifeguard stations activate alarms
14:16	Rescue boats and coast‑guard units arrive on scene
14:30	Emergency medical teams begin triage; victims transported to Hospital Universitario de la candelaria
15:00	Area cordoned off for forensic investigation

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Survivor’s First‑Hand Account

“I was standing at the pool’s edge, watching the sunset, when the water rose like a wall. In a heartbeat the wave ripped through the pool, pulling me under the surface. My lungs burned as I fought for air. The only thing that saved me was the rope of a nearby lifeguard who grabbed my wrist and pulled me out.” – Marco González,34,local resident and eyewitness

Key details from the testimony:

1. No warning signs – The pool’s wave‑monitoring buoy showed a normal sea state minutes before the wave.
2. Rapid escalation – The wave arrived in under 10 seconds, leaving no time to react.
3. Lifeguard response – Rapid rope‑pull saved three lives; the fourth victim was beyond rescue due to entanglement in a submerged metal rail.

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Rescue Operations & emergency Response

• Coast Guard deployed two fast‑response vessels equipped wiht inflatable rescue tubes.
• Medical teams set up a temporary triage station on the cliffside, treating 12 injuries ranging from bruises to spinal trauma.
• Police secured the scene, preserving evidence for the subsequent investigation.

Critical response lessons:

• Need for real‑time wave‑height monitoring directly linked to pool alarms.
• Importance of additional lifeguard ropes positioned at strategic points.
• Requirement for clear evacuation routes away from cliff edges.

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Safety Failures Identified

1. Inadequate wave‑prediction system – The existing buoy did not communicate sudden deep‑water swells to the control center.
2. Insufficient barriers – The pool’s low rail failed to withstand impact from a 5‑m wave.
3. Lack of public awareness – No signage warned swimmers of “rogue wave risk zones.”

The Spanish Maritime Safety Authority (SMA) has opened a formal inquiry to address these shortcomings.

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Practical Tips for Swimmers in Coastal Pools

• Check local marine forecasts before entering any sea‑in‑pool. Look for terms like “rogue wave,” “swell,” or “storm surge.”
• Observe warning buoys; if a red flag is raised, leave the water instantly.
• Stay near lifeguard stations and keep an eye on the wave‑monitoring display (if available).
• Never swim alone; a buddy system can double survival odds in a sudden surge.
• Learn basic self‑rescue techniques – float on your back, keep your head above water, and signal for help with a loud shout or whistle.

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Impact on Tenerife’s Tourism & Local Regulations

• Visitor numbers to Los Gigantes dropped 12 % in the quarter following the tragedy, according to the Tenerife tourism board.
• New regulations (effective 1 July 2025) require:
• Installation of automated wave‑alert systems linked to emergency sirens.
• Reinforced pool railings engineered to withstand forces up to 6 m waves.
• Mandatory monthly safety drills for all pool staff.

Local hotels have begun offering “wave‑safety briefings” to guests, reinforcing the importance of staying informed.

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Resources for Victims & Families

• Psychological support: Tenerife Health Service offers free counseling sessions (code “GW2025”).
• Legal aid: Asociación de Derechos de los Turistas (ADT) provides pro‑bono assistance for wrongful‑death claims.
• Memorial fund: “Los Gigantes Wave Memorial” – donations support families of the four victims and fund future safety upgrades.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What exactly is a rogue wave?

A rogue wave is an unusually large, unexpected surface wave that can appear suddenly, often exceeding twice the height of surrounding waves.They are caused by complex interactions of wind, currents, and underwater topography.

Q2: Could the incident have been prevented?

While rogue waves are rare, improved monitoring, stronger barriers, and clear public warnings could significantly reduce risk.

Q3: Are other coastal pools in the Canary Islands at risk?

all natural sea‑in‑pools share similar exposure to sudden swell events. The new SMA guidelines now apply island‑wide, mandating upgraded safety infrastructure.

Q4: How can I stay updated on wave conditions while traveling?

• Download the AEMET (Spanish Meteorological Agency) app.
• Follow the Tenerife Coast Guard on social media for real‑time alerts.

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