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Tourist killed in paragliding tragedy off coast of Spain
The holidaymaker's body was recovered near the Tenerife docks after a two-day search in treacherous conditions
A tourist has died in a paragliding accident in Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast of Tenerife during one of the worst storms Spain has seen so far this year.
The foreign national was part of a group excursion when tragedy struck during bad weather. The paraglider had taken off from the high cliffs near the resort and vanished mid-flight, with emergency services initially believing the victim may have become stuck on rocks.
A major rescue operation was launched and teams searched for two days before a body was recovered in Puerto, just one day after part of the torn gliding canopy was found floating in the sea. The paraglider had launched into flight at nearby Izana.
Emergency services confirmed the victim was a foreigner but have not released their nationality or age. Leopoldo Afonso, the mayor of Puerto de la Cruz, confirmed the discovery shortly after the remains were recovered from an area close to the docks.
Rescue workers described the mission as extremely complex as they battled waves exceeding six metres in height. Their efforts were hampered by the storm that battered the Canary Islands last week.
Locals and tourists were urged to stay away from breakwaters and docks and to avoid any water-based activities until the weather improved.
Since the alarm was raised on Wednesday February 4 at 11am, the Guardia Civil helicopter and the GES helicopter were the only resources able to operate continuously. The dangerous conditions kept GEAS divers and Maritime Rescue boats blocked, preventing a visual inspection of the maze of blocks and stones where they suspected the body had become trapped.
The paraglider, who had been part of a group of foreign tourists, vanished when trying to land on a nearby beach. Strong gusts of wind and the force of the Atlantic dragged the glider towards the pier esplanade area. It's believed the harness got caught in the rocks.
Mayor Afonso said he wanted to send a message about awareness and respect for coastal safety measures.
"We ask for common sense and maximum care when the sea presents these conditions," he said. He explained that the north of Tenerife is especially dangerous during episodes of coastal phenomena.
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