SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 20th June (EUROPA PRESS) –
A middle-aged couple of holidaymakers found themselves stranded at the peak of Teide without water or warm clothing. They were rescued early on Wednesday after activating the SOS alert button from the upper cable car station, which is directly linked to the 1-1-2 Canary Islands, as confirmed by Volcano Teide.
The Teleférico team provided full assistance in the rescue mission, also making their rescue units at the facilities available for the emergency. A team of firefighters from La Orotava was also present at the scene, contributing to the successful operation.
The couple were provided with warm clothing and water (as they reported feeling dehydrated) and once their well-being was assured, they were transported to a hotel in La Orotava. The rescue operation concluded successfully and without any major incidents at 2:20 a.m.
Volcano Teide emphasizes that the extreme weather conditions at nearly 4,000 meters of altitude in the high mountains can be perilous. Visitors planning a trip to Teide must ensure they are equipped with high-altitude clothing, sturdy footwear, and an adequate supply of water.
The SOS button, situated at the upper cable car station’s facilities, was commissioned on 12th December 2023 by the Cabildo de Tenerife and 1-1-2 Canarias, in collaboration with the Volcano Teide company.
According to the authorities, having access to the SOS button and the Cable Car facilities near the peak of Teide is crucial in speeding up the rescue process for park visitors who encounter mishaps. In fact, the efficiency of rescues is enhanced by more than six hours.
This tool is one of the commitments made by Volcano Teide to ensure the safety of park visitors, working closely with entities such as the Red Cross, Tenerife Firefighters, Emergency and Rescue Group, Canarian Emergency Service, state security forces, and other mountain rescue organisations.
