Violent storm tears Tenerife, traps eight tourists in cave overnight

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Tourists were expecting a beautiful holiday in Tenerife but ended up spending the night in a cave after violent storms battered the Canary Islands.

These eight vacationers became stranded last night but then the rescuers were not able to reach them through five-metre waves and 75 mph winds. Authorities felt that making efforts to walk down the mountain at night, sending out the emergency helicopter of trying to rescue by boat were all quite risky.

The seven Russian and one Slovakian tourists were stranded at the foot of a 200 feet ravine that is known as Masca barranco.

It is well-known but yet a very challenging tourist hub that is situated close to Los Gigantes. It has been the spot of many rescues since even experienced hikers can get caught by the tough sheer walk. Generally it takes about three hours to get down to the sea and the only way out is either by boat or climb up again.

Currently the emergency services are working out how to get to the stranded tourists who would have no shelter last night except for seeking the cave.

It is believed that they were assisted by a local shepherd  in finding the cave. This morning the rescue mission was commenced by Tenerife fire brigade, the Red Cross and the mountain group of the Civil Guard.

Tourists are not hurt despite the fact that the weather conditions have been quite severe. Latest reports state that the tourists are safe and do not require any medical attention.

Masca is the second most visited natural beauty spot of Tenerife after Mount Teide. The Canary storms also ushered in torrential rains that caused extensive flooding across the islands.

Canary storm also affected many flights across the Canaries but then at present they are operating as normal.

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