Investigation Launched Over Safety Risks
The Mossos d'Esquadra are investigating five individuals and the operator of an adventure tourism company for allegedly leading canyoning activities without the required professional qualifications in Horta de Sant Joan, located in the Terra Alta region. Agents from the Gandesa police station, supported by the Mountain Intervention Unit (UIM), began the probe in early September 2026 after identifying a firm offering outdoor adventure and sports activities with staff lacking the specific certification to guide canyoning descents. During an initial inspection, authorities informed the company that one of its employees did not hold the necessary qualification to act as a professional canyoning guide. Despite this warning, the same individual was later seen guiding a group through the Canaletes ravine within the municipality of Horta de Sant Joan, leading to a formal investigation for suspected professional intrusism.
Repeat Offence and Wider Checks
A week after the first follow-up, officers returned to the Canaletes ravine to verify compliance. They found two groups of around 20 people each taking part in canyoning activities and identified five individuals performing guiding duties, including the company’s responsible manager. Subsequent checks against the Official Register of Sports Professionals in Catalonia confirmed that none of the five held the specific qualification or official registration required to professionally guide canyoning descents. Some of those investigated possess other sports-related certifications, but not the one specifically mandated for this high-risk activity. The company had publicly advertised canyoning descents in the area, marketing them as led by certified guides.
The lack of proper professional training directly affects the safety conditions and physical integrity of participants.
Canyoning in natural parks such as the Parc Natural dels Ports requires strict adherence to safety and licensing regulations due to the technical difficulty and environmental sensitivity of the terrain. The Mossos have stressed that unqualified guides place clients at serious risk, where errors or lack of preparedness could result in injury or fatalities. The investigation remains ongoing. No arrests have been reported, and formal charges would depend on the outcome of the judicial process.
Primary sources: mossos.gencat.cat, dsp.interior.gencat.cat. Reported by diaridetarragona.com, elcaso.elnacional.cat, wrestlingcatalunya.cat, gdm.cat, imaginaradio.cat.
