Giant Wave Kills Tourists in Canary Islands – Video
- A powerful wave struck Cangrejo Island in Tenerife, Spain, on Sunday, resulting in at least four fatalities and one person missing.
- On Sunday afternoon, shortly after 4:00 PM local time, a large wave impacted a natural pool on Cangrejo Island, Tenerife, in the Canary Islands archipelago.
- The Canary Islands regional goverment had issued a warning for waves of 2 to 3.5 meters over the weekend, advising people to stay away from the coast to...
“`html
Giant Wave Kills Four in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Table of Contents
A powerful wave struck Cangrejo Island in Tenerife, Spain, on Sunday, resulting in at least four fatalities and one person missing. Authorities have declared three days of official mourning and warned against approaching the coast due to ongoing dangers.
Last Updated: December 9, 2025, 11:56:21 AM PST
What Happened?
On Sunday afternoon, shortly after 4:00 PM local time, a large wave impacted a natural pool on Cangrejo Island, Tenerife, in the Canary Islands archipelago. the wave swept away at least five people. As of Monday, authorities confirmed four deaths and one person remains missing Reuters.
The Canary Islands regional goverment had issued a warning for waves of 2 to 3.5 meters over the weekend, advising people to stay away from the coast to avoid taking photos or videos. Despite the warning, individuals were reportedly near the natural pool when the wave struck.
Where is Cangrejo Island and Tenerife?
Cangrejo Island is a small, uninhabited islet located off the coast of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa. Tenerife is a popular tourist destination known for its volcanic landscapes and beaches.

Official Response and Mourning
The President of the Canary islands regional government decreed three days of official mourning in response to the tragedy. He emphasized the beauty of the islands but also stressed the inherent dangers of the coastal surroundings,urging respect for the power of the ocean. The Guardian reports that rescue operations were hampered by the size of the waves and challenging sea conditions.
Why are these waves dangerous?
The canary Islands are susceptible to large waves, particularly during winter months, due to their location in the Atlantic Ocean. These waves can be generated by distant storms and amplified by the islands’ underwater topography. Natural pools, while attractive, can become extremely dangerous when large waves breach their protective barriers.
Factors contributing to wave danger:
- Storm surges: Low-pressure systems can create significant rises in sea level.
- Underwater topography: Seamounts and reefs can focus wave energy.
- Refraction and diffraction: Waves bend around islands, concentrating energy in certain areas.
- Unexpected wave height: Individual waves within a set can be considerably larger than average.
