French sailors rescued after sailboat sinks in Órzola, Lanzarote

Five French nationals, three men and two women aged between 20 and 30, were rescued after their sailboat ran aground and subsequently sank near the pier in Órzola, Lanzarote. The incident occurred early Saturday morning when the vessel lost power and became unsteerable.

Emergency responders, including Salvamento Marítimo, local firefighters, and the Lanzarote Emergency Consortium, deployed helicopters and watercraft to the scene. One crew member managed to reach the shore independently, while the remaining four were rescued from a life raft by firefighters using a jet ski. All five individuals were transported to the Doctor José Molina Orosa Hospital in Arrecife for treatment of minor injuries and hypothermia; none were reported to be in serious condition.

The heavy surf caused the vessel to strike the coast repeatedly, eventually destroying and sinking it. Authorities are currently monitoring the area to assess potential environmental impacts from debris or leaks and to ensure there is no disruption to local maritime traffic.