Drownings in the Canary Islands: 25 deaths from January to May 2026, Fuerteventura the second worst-hit island
2. The news in detail
Twenty-five people lost their lives to drowning in the Canary Islands between January and May 2026, a figure 4% higher than the 24 deaths recorded in the same period of 2025, according to the study compiled by the association 'Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa'. The total number of people involved in water accidents over these five months rises to 81, 37% more than the previous year (59).
May alone left five fatalities —among them a diver who went missing early in the month off the coast of La Gomera, whose body has not yet been found— as well as one person in critical condition, three seriously injured, three moderate, two minor and five rescues of people who were unharmed.
By island, Tenerife accounts for 40% of the deaths (10), followed by Fuerteventura, the second worst-hit island with 5 fatalities, Gran Canaria (4), El Hierro (3), La Gomera (2) and Lanzarote (1); La Graciosa recorded no victims. Of the 25 who died, 19 were men and 6 women, and thirteen were foreign nationals from seven countries, including one Italian national.
Beaches remain the highest-risk setting (55% of cases), followed by ports and coastal areas (27%) and natural and built swimming pools (9% each). 52% of fatal accidents occurred in the afternoon. Minors are a particular concern: 11 were affected so far this year, and in May three children came close to drowning in swimming pools.
3. Voices and statements
“In 90% of cases, accidents involving minors in swimming pools happen due to a lack of adult supervision,” the association 'Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa' notes, stressing the need for active and constant vigilance near the water, especially with young children.
4. Context and background
The association 'Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa' compiles this assessment using data from official emergency sources —chiefly 112 Canarias, along with the Guardia Civil, National Police, Maritime Rescue, local police, fire services and Civil Protection—. The initiative is sponsored by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, the Elder Museum of Science and Technology, the Canary Islands Government's Department of Territorial Policy and Water, and the Regional Office for Physical Activity and Sport, with the collaboration of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council and Binter.
5. What it means for Fuerteventura
With 5 deaths, Fuerteventura is the second Canary Island for drowning fatalities so far in 2026, a figure that underlines the importance of caution on its beaches and along its extensive coastline, especially on rocky stretches and where there is heavy swell. Before swimming, check the sea conditions and respect the flags and lifeguard instructions. If you are visiting the island, discover our guided excursions and activities in Fuerteventura and stay up to date with the Fuerteventura news feed.
