The Maritime Rescue team conducted a successful operation last night, rescuing a total of 143 individuals, including four women. They were found traveling in two canoes towards the southern coast of El Hierro.
According to an EFE spokesperson, at approximately 9:15 p.m. local time, a report was received about two canoes navigating 10 miles to the east. south of La Restinga.
Subsequently, the Adhara rescuer was immediately deployed. It successfully rescued the occupants of one canoe, while escorting the second one to the port of La Restinga. The second canoe safely arrived at 11:15 p.m.
The first canoe carried 54 sub-Saharan individuals, consisting of all men except for a single woman, all of whom were rescued.
The second canoe, which was escorted to the port, had 89 individuals from sub-Saharan origin on board, including three women.
Warning of active pick pockets and bag snatchers operating in the Area of the Arona Gran, Hiper Dino and Charly restaurant, Los Cristianos.
1. My wallet was lost / stolen following a visit to Hiper Dino on Saturday 20th January 2024. I was aware of 2/3 people rather close while shopping. Some cash taken with visa which I stopped. I did not report to police but advised staff. Who did not seem in the least interested.
2. Around 26/27 January a friend of mine and his wife were walking home from Charly around midnight. As they walked up the hill in the general area of Victoria Court the woman was aware of her shoulder bag being pulled. They turned saw a male who made off with the bag. The husband tried to give chase but slipped and injured his shoulder. Police were informed but the bag was not recovered. Police were not hopeful of a detection.
3. About 1230pm Saturday 3rd February.I was walking behind a friend who was with my wife in the curtailaige of the main entrance to the Arona Gran at the crossing to Hiper Dino. My friend was supported by his walker. I was a few yards behind when I noticed a group of 4 very close to my friend. They were 2 males and 2 females. One of the females was furtively looking around and something made me suspicious of them. I then observed the male nearest my friend move close to my friends back. I could not see his left hand which was in front of his body. Then I observed him passing a wallet into his right hand and begin to open it. I realised what had happened and shouted to my friend to check his wallet. He was slow to check and I shouted again and approached. The street and the 4 stopped. My friend confirmed the theft from his zipped pocket. At that instant the first female appeared with the wallet saying she had found it. I explained that her friend had stolen it . All 4 then shuffled off over the crossing and away. Nothing was taken from the wallet and my friend did not want to report the incident. Observations – The male and female were well dressed, European in appearance and spoke good English with an accent Rumanian or Slavic. Blended in well with the area. My friend was staying at the Arona Gran and I suspected they may have captured the incident on CCTV. I was told there was nothing they could do as only Police could access any images and anyway if it was outside the hotel it was not their problem.
I have holidayed in Tenerife for nearly 30 years and I am aware that it has it’s fair share of crime so usually I am careful, my incident was my first day and I was a guest at the Arona Gran. My fault entirely. I have since noted a reduction in foot and mobile Police patrols. I have also noted and increase in drug related behaviour. Are we returning to the days when theives ,druggies and prostitutes roam freely in Southern Tenerife.
I write this only for your information and can be contacted via the above email