Boat Fire on Alma de Mar

A Safe Ending

Formentera, June 25, 2025

Sailing in calm waters is often associated with relaxation, fun, and adventure with family or friends. However, the sea—with its ever-changing beauty and unpredictable nature—can also test even the most cautious seafarers.

A sunny day, with no warning signs, can suddenly turn into an emergency when the unexpected strikes: a mechanical failure, a leak, or—as in this case—a fire on board. Safety at sea depends not only on the vessel’s condition but also on the crew’s ability to respond. In these critical moments, the importance of clear protocols, knowing how to call for help, and having nearby boats or well-coordinated rescue services becomes evident.

The incident involving Alma de Mar, which occurred on June 24 off the coast of Formentera, is a clear example of how a potentially catastrophic situation can be resolved through teamwork, swift action, and a bit of luck.

A burning recreational boat, a family including a young child onboard, and an effective intervention are the reasons we’re able to tell this story with no more serious consequences than a completely destroyed vessel.

The Fire Breaks Out

Late morning on Tuesday, June 24, Alma de Mar—a 9.2-meter Spanish-flagged recreational motorboat, registered in the seventh list—was sailing roughly 17 nautical miles west of La Savina when a fire broke out onboard. The cause of the blaze remains unknown. Onboard were three adults and a 7-year-old girl.

Realizing the severity of the situation, they alerted emergency services via 112 at approximately 10:20 AM. The call immediately mobilized Maritime Rescue and nearby vessels.
As smoke thickened and the flames spread, the crew abandoned the boat and took refuge in their auxiliary dinghy until the nearby sailboat Peperino arrived and rescued them from the burning vessel.

The Arrival of the Salvamar Naos

Thanks to coordination from the Maritime Rescue Center in Palma, the rescue boat Salvamar Naos quickly reached the scene. Its crew attempted to extinguish the fire, but by then the motorboat had already suffered irreversible damage. Minutes later, Alma de Mar sank beneath the waters between Ibiza and Formentera.
After ensuring that no floating debris posed a risk to navigation, the Naos transported the four individuals to Ibiza port, where they were given precautionary care—though none required medical attention, according to Maritime Rescue.

One of the Greatest Onboard Dangers

Aside from a “Man Overboard” emergency, a fire at sea is among the most dangerous scenarios: it can threaten lives and force an evacuation within minutes. Modern boats are often made with plastics and synthetic fibers which, when burned, emit toxic and hazardous smoke.
Sadly, similar accidents are reported every summer on recreational boats; this time, the quick action by the crew, nearby vessels, and Maritime Rescue prevented a worse outcome.
Regularly checking your boat’s electrical system and having up-to-date fire extinguishers is not optional—it’s the best investment to ensure a day at sea doesn’t end in tragedy.

I hope I’m wrong, but I fear this won’t be the last post this summer in which I’ll have to write about a boat catching fire off the coast of Formentera.