Man sliced and killed by boat propeller in Canary Islands as helpless friend watches

A man in his 60s was killed after being sliced by the propeller of a pleasure boat off the coast of Puntagorda, La Palma, in the Canary Islands, according to local authorities. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 20, 2026, while the man and his friend were fishing in the waters near the western coast of the island. Rescue teams worked for several hours to free the victim’s body, which became entangled in the boat's blades. A friend of the deceased, who served as the skipper of the vessel, was left deeply traumatized after witnessing the incident. The two men, longtime fishing companions, had spent decades exploring the area together. They had set out for a routine day of angling in the waters surrounding Puntagorda, a region known for its rugged coastline and popular among local fishermen. The boat, registered in the port of Tazacorte, was one of many vessels based there. The area, located between Porís de Tijarafe and El Puerto de Puntagorda, is accessible only by boat due to its steep cliffs. The pair had visited similar spots, including Cueva Bonita and El Porís de Tijarafe, on previous occasions. According to emergency reports, the man fell into the water and was struck by the propeller before becoming entangled in the blades. Despite efforts by rescue crews, including a helicopter and a specialized rescue boat, the man could not be saved. Paramedics assisted the skipper, who reportedly suffered an anxiety attack following the incident. The body was eventually recovered after several hours of operation, and the boat was subsequently towed to the Port of Tazacorte for further examination. Civil Guard officials confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the death. Firefighters from the La Laguna park joined the effort, conducting an underwater search using specialized equipment. The Civil Guard is working alongside other emergency services to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the tragedy. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause of the accident or whether any safety violations were involved. The mayor of Puntagorda, Vicente Rodríguez Lorenzo, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “an absolute tragedy.” He noted the close relationship between the two men, emphasizing their shared history and the emotional impact of the loss. Local residents have spoken of the community’s shock and concern over the incident, particularly given the frequency of fishing activities in the area. The incident highlights the dangers associated with boating in remote coastal regions, where conditions can quickly turn perilous. While the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, the tragedy underscores the need for heightened awareness and safety measures for recreational boaters. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation and are expected to provide more information as the inquiry progresses.