Cruise Ship Passengers Caught in Giant Wave Incident at Tenerife Port – 8 November 2025

On 8 November 2025, a large coastal surge struck the seafront promenade at Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, sweeping multiple people into the water. One person died and several others were injured in what officials described as "one of the most serious coastal accidents in recent memory." Passengers from four docked cruise ships—including the Silver Dawn, Azura, Mein Schiff 3, and Sky Princess—were among those present on the waterfront at the time.

A red alert for coastal wave action was in effect, with waves reported as high as 15 feet (approximately 4.5 metres) in some areas of the Canary Islands. Maritime and local emergency services responded promptly to rescue victims and transport the injured to hospital. A formal investigation has been launched to examine warning systems, barriers, and cruise-operator shore-excursion protocols.

The incident occurred at the promenade adjacent to the pier at Puerto de la Cruz while four cruise ships were docked in nearby Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Despite an active red alert for coastal wave action, a number of passengers and other visitors had gathered along the waterfront to watch the rough seas when a large wave broke over the promenade and swept people into the water. Emergency teams reported that ten people were swept into the sea during the surge.

Location

• Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands
• Seafront promenade adjacent to the pier

Sea conditions

• Red alert for coastal wave action in effect
• Waves reported as high as 15 feet (≈4.5 metres) in some areas

Vessels in port

• Silver Dawn
• Azura
• Mein Schiff 3
• Sky Princess

Fatalities

• One deceased individual, believed to be a Dutch national, recovered from the sea in cardiac arrest and could not be resuscitated.

Injuries

• Three people sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital.

Rescued

• Ten people swept into the water; all were rescued by emergency services.

Maritime and local emergency services responded promptly to the incident, rescuing victims from the water and transporting the injured to hospital. Authorities issued public warnings urging tourists and locals to avoid coastal promenades during storm alerts and high-wave conditions.

A formal investigation has been launched to determine whether adequate warnings and barriers were in place at the promenade, and whether cruise operators' shore-excursion briefings sufficiently addressed hazardous coastal conditions. One or more cruise lines are reviewing their shore-excursion protocols and guidance given to guests about local weather and sea-state hazards.

Authorities have emphasised that even when ashore, cruise guests remain subject to maritime hazards such as rogue waves, strong swells, and unpredictable coastal surges. Operators and ports must ensure clear signage, barrier systems, and guest briefings when weather alerts are active. Tourists are advised to heed local warnings, remain behind marked safe zones, and avoid standing on waterfronts during storm surges and swell events.