Tourist drowns and hundreds evacuated after Brit holiday hotspot is hit by freak 12ft waves smashing into seafront

A TOURIST has drowned after huge 12ft waves hit seafronts in Tenerife.

More than 130 holidaymakers were also evacuated as freak storms swept through the area.

EPA

People look at the high waves breaking at Candelaria, Tenerife[/caption]

The island is today mopping up after coastal areas saw waves of more than 12ft smash into sea walls and sweep water into houses and businesses.

A 53-year-old Czech tourist fell into the rough sea at the northern resort of Puerto de la Cruz and drowned despite prolonged efforts to save him.

It is believed he was taking pictures of the dramatic surf in the natural pools on the sea edge when he was swept away.

Horrified witnesses saw his body in the water and called the emergency services.

He was eventually picked up by a helicopter and taken back to land but could not be revived.

The Directorate General of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has issued a statement urging the public to take extreme precautions, especially near the sea.

The official alert for the freak waves was lifted this morning.

Yesterday’s storm caused damage to vehicles, boats and more than 15 homes in the east of the island.

The very strong waves took residents of Tenerife by surprise with homes and streets flooded.

Many said they did not “remember anything like it in years.”

Weather experts said the combination of 90 km gusts of wind, together with the spring tides, caused the sea to wash over beaches, promenades and roads close to the coastline.

The areas in Tenerife most affected were El Rosario, Candelaria, Arafo, Güímar and Arico, all along the east coast.

The most popular holiday resorts in the south of Tenerife escaped damage.