The Guardia Civil's Maritime Service rescued five people, including a minor, from a boat adrift off the coast of Mataró, Barcelona, on 1 May. The vessel had experienced engine failure, leaving it without control approximately one nautical mile from the beach, according to a statement from the security force.
The incident unfolded around 11:50am when the patrol boat Río Santa Eulalia, which operates along the Catalan coast for the Guardia Civil's Provincial Maritime Service in Barcelona, was conducting sea surveillance near El Masnou port. The patrol boat received a 'PAN PAN' alert, a signal used for urgent situations requiring assistance, from a recreational vessel.
Urgent Rescue Operation
The occupants of the seven-metre boat reported that they were adrift due to the engine breakdown. At the time of the alert, the Río Santa Eulalia was 15 nautical miles, or 27.78 kilometres, away. Despite rough sea conditions, the Guardia Civil crew successfully reached the area, located the disabled boat, and approached it safely.
The rescue operation involved towing the vessel, a process that took approximately 50 minutes. The mooring manoeuvres were completed at the transit dock of Mataró port. All five occupants, identified as three men, one woman, and a minor, were disembarked without injuries and did not require medical attention.
This rescue highlights the critical role of maritime surveillance and rapid response services in ensuring safety along Catalonia's extensive coastline. The ability to respond to distress calls, even in challenging conditions, is essential for preventing more serious incidents at sea.
