It would appear that 6 people have died in a potholing tragedy  in Los Silos, Tenerife on Saturday (10-02-07). Rescuers have recovered the bodies of 6 people who apparently suffocated whilst exploring underground caverns this weekend.

The 6 were part of a caving party who entered the Barranco de Los Cochinillos Cavern, Los Silos. The group was made up of 2 parties, one from the Tenerife Friends of Nature Association and the other from the Canaries Astrophysics Institute.

It is understood that the parties became trapped in a 200 year old man-made gallery where temperatures reached 30 degrees Centegrade and were overcome with toxic Carbon Dioxide gases.

Rescuers managed to save 24 of the party but unfortunately 6 did not survive. It is understood that one of  deceased was an Italian Man, the other five were all Spanish nationals, one a woman.