A group of tourists taking selfies narrowly escaped death after being struck by a colossal wave while standing on rocks during a violent storm in the Canary Islands. The dramatic incident, captured on video near the Faro de Sardina del Norte in Gran Canaria, shows the group ignoring clear warning signs and protective fencing around cliffs that drop over 66 feet.
Ignoring Safety Barriers Proves Nearly Fatal
According to local reports, the tourists deliberately bypassed safety barriers designed to prevent access to one of the most hazardous points along the coastline. With mobile phones in hand, they were filmed standing perilously close to the cliff's edge as waves grew increasingly powerful. One man was seen watching the ferocious waters, while a woman sat on a rock beside him, recording the spectacle.
Panic as Monster Wave Crashes Overhead
After a few moments, a powerful wave crashed directly onto the rocky ledge, sending a surge of water over the tourists' heads. The panicked group scrambled to safety as the wave smashed down onto the platform, sparking terror among those desperately heading for higher ground.
The association for the prevention of accidents in aquatic environments, Canarias 1500 Km de Costa, issued a stern warning following the incident. 'Once again, lives are put at risk by ignoring safety barriers at one of the most dangerous points on our coastline,' the organisation stated, emphasising the recurring nature of such dangerous behaviour.
Tragic Parallel in Greece Highlights Coastal Dangers
This alarming incident follows a tragic event in Greece just two weeks earlier, where a giant wave claimed the life of a 53-year-old coastguard. The Hellenic Coast Guard reported that the man was on foot patrol in the port area of Astros when a powerful wave dragged him down while he was mooring boats.
Terrifying footage captured the monster wave rising over a barrier before crashing down onto a group of onlookers. The coastguard suffered a serious head injury from the impact and was pronounced dead after being pulled from the water and transported to a local medical facility.
Spain Braces for Intensified Flood Risk
The incidents occur as Spain prepares for significant flooding, with meteorological forecasts for early February indicating that flood risk will intensify across several regions. Successive Atlantic storm systems are expected to move eastwards across Spain, bringing sustained rainfall, strong winds, and substantial coastal swells.
Weather Warnings Issued Across Multiple Regions
An orange weather warning has been activated for parts of the Costa del Sol, particularly western areas of Malaga province including Serrania de Ronda and surrounding municipalities, effective from Wednesday onwards. Rainfall totals are anticipated to reach up to four inches in some inland areas.
A broader yellow alert covers much of the Costa del Sol for heavy showers and gusty winds during the same period. Authorities are warning of gale-force winds and waves reaching up to 10 feet along the Andalucían coastline on Wednesday, raising serious concerns about coastal flooding.
Unsettled Conditions Threaten Widespread Disruption
The unsettled weather conditions are forecast to persist for several days, significantly increasing the likelihood of rivers and drainage systems becoming overwhelmed. Recent storms have already caused widespread disruption across several parts of the country.
Last month, Storms Harry and Joseph brought extreme rainfall to Malaga, with local totals approaching 20 centimetres in parts of the Guadalhorce Valley and Costa del Sol. Rivers overflowed their banks, prompting emergency rescues and causing surface flooding in towns including Cartama, Alhaurin de la Torre, and Malaga city.
Flood Watches Reintroduced Across Northern and Western Spain
Flood watches have been reintroduced in parts of northern and western Spain, with rivers including the Mero near Cambre in Galicia being closely monitored as water levels continue to rise. Orange alerts for heavy coastal seas and strong winds remain in place, with local civil protection teams maintaining precautionary measures as further rainfall is forecast.
The combination of tourist risk-taking and increasingly severe weather patterns presents a significant challenge for coastal safety authorities across southern Europe. As climate patterns shift, experts warn that such dangerous incidents may become more frequent without improved public awareness and stricter enforcement of safety measures.
