A sailboat measuring around 12 metres ran aground earlier this week in the Sa Ferradura area, between Bonaire and the cove of s’Illot de La Victòria, after allegedly coming loose from an illegal mooring in Puerto Pollensa. The vessel was swept across the Bay of Pollensa by last Thursday’s gale before grounding on the rocks off the Alcudia coastline.
The environmental group Arrels Marines has urged the authorities to step in to prevent the wreck from ending up scattered on the seabed, as happened with another vessel that sank nearby off Bonaire in 2025. That boat deteriorated over several months without being removed, despite repeated complaints. Regarding the Sa Ferradura sailboat, Arrels Marines said: “This was a vessel anchored illegally in the inner bay, outside Puerto Pollensa. Once again, the risks of this uncontrolled anchoring area are clear, not just for the seabed but also for public safety.”
Alcudia Local Police are working to identify the boat’s owners, who are primarily responsible for arranging its removal. If they cannot be traced, the authorities must take charge. However, this does not always happen, and parts of the vessel – including fibreglass, wood, tarpaulins, metal, engines, and other items on board – often end up on the seabed, posing a threat to marine ecosystems and environmental quality.
When owners cannot be located, local councils frequently foot the bill for removals due to the inaction of the responsible authorities. In 2025, Pollensa town hall spent around €50,000 removing three sunken or semi-sunken boats from the Moll area to improve seabed conditions. In Alcudia, although the Coastal Authority has been notified, Deputy Mayor Juan Sendín warned: “If the Coastal Authority does not act, Alcudia town hall will be forced to remove it at considerable cost, potentially up to €30,000. It is in a popular holiday area and cannot remain there.”