Formentera, August 22, 2025
Last Thursday, August 21, the calm of the Parque Natural de ses Salines in Formentera was shattered when a sailing boat caught fire at the entrance to the port of La Savina. The blaze, visible from several points on the island, caused great concern among both beachgoers and vessels navigating the area.
The fire broke out shortly after midday, and within minutes, several nearby boats rushed to assist the burning vessel. Coordination between passenger transport boats, Maritime Rescue teams, firefighters, and the local police was key in containing the flames and ensuring the safety of the crew.
The occupants of the sailing boat managed to reach safety in a small dinghy, allowing emergency teams to focus on stabilising the burning vessel. Thanks to the swift response, the fire did not spread to other boats, nor did the yacht sink in this highly sensitive natural area.
The operation highlighted the importance of activating official emergency protocols, as well as the solidarity among vessels at sea. In the end, the sailing boat was towed into open waters, where it was left to burn out completely without causing any further environmental impact in the protected zone.
Heavily trafficked area
The incident took place right in the main channel leading to La Savina port, a high-traffic maritime zone during the summer season. At the time, numerous boats were sailing between Cavall d’en Borràs and ses Illetes, raising fears of a possible chain reaction if the flames spread.
Several tourist boats from the ferry company Aqua Bus were the first to arrive. From their decks, they sprayed water onto the burning vessel to cool it down and slow the fire’s advance. Shortly afterward, the catamaran Ulises Cat joined the efforts, reinforcing containment operations until Maritime Rescue teams arrived.
Salvamento Marítimo
Once the Salvamar Naos arrived from the port of Ibiza, Salvamento Marítimo took over coordination of the operation. After assessing the situation, they decided to tow the sailing boat offshore to reduce the risk of it sinking in the protected area and to move it away from anchored boats.
The Consell de Formentera praised the speed of the response and reiterated the importance of adhering to navigation safety measures. The incident served as a clear example of the effectiveness of emergency protocols but also as a warning about the risks that can arise in such busy and environmentally sensitive waters as those around Formentera.
I’m Ramón Tur, the person behind everything written and photographed on this website about Formentera. I discovered the island in 1972 when my parents, aboard the mythical Joven Dolores, took me on vacation from Ibiza for the first time, and it was love at first sight that has only grown stronger over time, making Formentera my place of residence for many years now. If you wish, you can follow me on Instagram @4mentera.com_
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