The presence of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Bay of Palma has unsurprisingly attracted a great deal of interest among those who want to get a look at the world's largest aircraft carrier. Looking from a safe distance is one thing, but getting too close is another. And warnings have indicated that getting too close may not be safe.
"You are entering a restricted area. You are ordered to leave the area and stay away from this vessel. If you do not comply, the United States may take defensive measures and your boat could be damaged."
This was the warning in English through a loudspeaker that was heard on Sunday by people in boats who dared to venture too close. Marines were positioned on the ship to intervene, if necessary.
Jesús Jurado of Podemos says these threats are "intolerable". It is "scandalous" that a nuclear-powered ship is anchored in the bay and threatens people in the bay.
He has called on the Spanish Government to prohibit further anchoring of "killing machines" such as the Gerald R. Ford, arguing that their presence turns Mallorca into a "military target".