Search Underway After Person Reportedly Falls Into Sea Off Southern Lanzarote
Emergency services have launched a search operation after a person reportedly fell into the sea along the southern coast of Lanzarote.
A search operation is underway in southern Lanzarote after emergency services were alerted to reports that a person had fallen into the Atlantic.
The incident was reported on the morning of Wednesday, 9 September, with the Canary Islands Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES 112) coordinating the emergency response.
At the time of writing, authorities have not released further information about the person involved, including their age, nationality or condition.
The exact location of the incident has also not been confirmed publicly, with the initial information referring only to the southern coast of Lanzarote.
Search operation underway
Aerial resources have been used in previous search and rescue operations around Lanzarote, with the island’s emergency services working alongside organisations including the Grupo de Emergencias y Salvamento (GES), Guardia Civil, Policía Local, firefighters and Salvamento Marítimo, depending on the circumstances of each incident.
The search comes against a backdrop of increased attention on coastal safety in Lanzarote.
In August, the Consorcio de Seguridad y Emergencias del Cabildo de Lanzarote launched a campaign in five languages warning visitors and residents about the dangers of accidents and drownings around the island’s coastline. It has also published a dedicated guide covering safety during nautical activities.
Lanzarote’s coastline can be unpredictable
While Lanzarote is famous for its beaches, natural swimming pools, volcanic coastline and spectacular Atlantic views, some areas can become extremely dangerous when conditions change.
Strong waves, currents and sudden surges can catch people off guard, particularly around rocky coastal areas, natural pools and locations without lifeguard supervision.
This is particularly relevant to visitors who may be unfamiliar with the Atlantic conditions around Lanzarote.
Recent incidents have demonstrated how quickly a seemingly calm coastal outing can turn into an emergency. In January, four young people were swept into the sea at Los Charcones in the municipality of Yaiza.
The same area has unfortunately been the scene of several other serious incidents involving people being swept into the sea.
Visitors urged to take care around the coast
For anyone exploring Lanzarote’s coastline, emergency services advise taking particular care around exposed rocks and natural swimming areas.
Visitors and residents should pay attention to warning signs, barriers and official advice, and should never assume that apparently calm conditions mean the sea is safe.
If someone is swept into the water, attempting an immediate personal rescue can put additional lives at risk. Calling 112 and following instructions from emergency operators is the safest course of action.
The search operation remains a developing situation, and further information is expected from the emergency services as the response progresses.
