Tragic Death of British Postal Worker in Tenerife Natural Disaster
A British postal worker enjoying a holiday in Tenerife has died in a horrific natural incident after being smashed against rocks by a freak wave, which her family believes was triggered by an earthquake.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Rose Buck, 56, was swimming in the typically calm "blue lagoon" area of Costa Adeje, Tenerife, when a sudden wave threw her violently against the shoreline rocks. Her daughter, Chantelle Buck-Forrest, reported that Rose—described as a strong swimmer—had chosen the lagoon after finding her hotel pool closed.
The incident occurred on February 25, coinciding with a 4.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Tenerife. Chantelle suspects this seismic activity generated the unexpected wave that proved fatal.
Medical Emergency and Family's Ordeal
The impact knocked Rose unconscious and fractured her C2 vertebra. She remained underwater for approximately five minutes before beachgoers noticed and alerted lifeguards. Resuscitation efforts took an additional 13 minutes before she was stabilized.
Rose was rushed to a hospital in northern Tenerife, where she was placed on life support. Her family—including daughter Chantelle, partner Fran Wilde, 63, and son Owen Tate, 26—rushed to her bedside.
- Doctors initially focused on stabilizing Rose's internal organs, which had sustained water damage.
- She also suffered from hypothermia, complicating treatment.
- After five days, medical staff discovered a brain stem bleed and significant oxygen deprivation to the brain.
With recovery deemed impossible due to extensive brain damage, the family made the heartbreaking decision to withdraw life support on March 6. Rose passed away on March 8, which coincidentally was International Women's Day.
Family's Tribute and Community Response
Chantelle described her mother as "one of the nicest people" and expressed how the overwhelming support from friends and strangers has provided some comfort during this devastating time.
"The amount of people far and wide, people who I didn't even know knew her, it's been mind blowing," Chantelle said. "She's touched so many people's lives."
The family has established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover expenses, reflecting the community's outpouring of sympathy for their loss.
Safety Concerns for Tourists
This tragic incident highlights the unpredictable dangers that can occur even in typically safe swimming areas. The "blue lagoon" in Costa Adeje is normally protected from ocean waves, making this freak occurrence particularly shocking.
British tourists are reminded to exercise caution when swimming abroad, especially in areas with recent seismic activity or unusual weather patterns.
