A 56-year-old British woman has tragically lost her life following a severe accident caused by a freak wave while swimming off the Canary Islands. Rose Buck sustained critical injuries on February 25 during a holiday in Costa Adeje, Tenerife, and passed away in a local hospital on March 8, after spending more than a week in intensive care.
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According to her daughter, Chantelle Buck-Forrest, Rose had gone for a swim at a secluded beach, usually known for its calm waters, as the pool at her accommodation was closed. Described as a strong swimmer, Rose sought solace in the ocean, which had become a true sanctuary for her during past holidays. However, on that fateful day, a sudden wave struck, sending her crashing into nearby rocks.
Chantelle, speaking to Kennedy News, expressed her profound grief, stating, “I’m absolutely devastated. I couldn’t stop crying. It’s been horrendous. I’ve been walking around feeling like I’ve been shot in the chest.” The family has been left to grapple with the shock of the loss, which they never anticipated during what was meant to be a relaxing holiday.
In the aftermath of the incident, Rose was submerged in the water for approximately five minutes before rescuers managed to reach her. The ensuing struggle to resuscitate her lasted a grueling 13 minutes. She had suffered a serious head injury, a broken vertebra, and hypothermia, leaving medical professionals unsure of the extent of brain damage due to her lack of oxygen.
Following her emergency hospitalisation, Rose was placed on a ventilator as her family waited anxiously for news. The worry escalated when doctors confirmed a bleed on her brain stem, further complicating her condition. After days of uncertainty, the family faced the heart-wrenching decision to take her off life support on March 6, and she died just two days later.
Chantelle later recounted her mother as a “beautiful soul who has helped many and would help anyone” but noted that Rose rarely sought help for herself. The family has been overwhelmed with support from their community during this tragic time and has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with travel costs and other necessities.
She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love, stating, “Although I feel like I’ve got this massive loss and I’m holding so much sorrow, I feel the same amount of love and support and honour in the other hand.” This sentiment reflects the substantial impact Rose had on her family and friends, many of whom have reached out to share their memories and support.
As the family prepares to lay Rose to rest, they continue to celebrate her life and the positive influence she had on those around her. Chantelle remarked on the numerous messages they have received, emphasising, “The amount of people that have contacted me has opened my eyes to what a woman my mum is, and I feel honoured to be her daughter.”
Local authorities and further news outlets have yet to respond to inquiries about the tragic event. Meanwhile, the family remains in a state of mourning, reflecting on the life of a remarkable woman stolen far too soon. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of nature, even in seemingly calm settings, and the devastating consequences that can arise in the blink of an eye.