Tragedy in Formentera

One Year Later

Formentera, July 20, 2027

A year ago, a tragic accident on a beach in Formentera claimed the life of a two-month-old baby and left her father seriously injured. A rockfall took the family by surprise as they were enjoying a holiday at Es Copinar beach. A few days ago, the family filed a lawsuit against several public institutions, alleging negligence for failing to prevent a risk they claim was both known and avoidable.

The case has led to judicial proceedings in Ibiza, where the parents, residents of Mallorca, have joined as private accusers. They seek to clarify the facts and demand accountability through both criminal and administrative channels, pointing directly to the authorities responsible for coastal maintenance for their lack of action.

Since the accident, the family has tried to obtain official information about what happened, but they report a lack of institutional cooperation.

They state they never received the technical report commissioned after the collapse and that no administration has reached out to them. They accuse the authorities of responding only with symbolic gestures and failing to show real commitment to the investigation.

What happened in 2024

The accident occurred on July 18, 2024, at Es Copinar beach, at the far end of Migjorn, Formentera. A family from Mallorca was enjoying a day at the beach when part of the rocky ledge suddenly gave way. Several large boulders fell on the father and his baby, who were directly beneath. The impact was fatal for the infant, while the father suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalization and surgery.

In their complaint, the family maintains that there were no signs or preventive measures in the area where the collapse occurred, despite the fact that this was not the first rockfall at that location. In fact, they refer to previous reports and statements that had already warned of the fragility of that section of coastline.

The authorities involved — the Consell of Formentera, the Balearic Government, and the State — are being accused by the family of a so-called “abnormal operation of public service.” They are blamed for not having taken the necessary measures to protect beachgoers and for having ignored clear signs of danger.

Legal Action

From the moment of the accident, the family has repeatedly requested information about what happened. In March, they asked for the technical report commissioned after the rockfall, along with other documents related to the beach’s maintenance and safety. To this day, they claim to have received no response or contact from the Consell of Formentera.

They strongly criticize what they see as a purely symbolic and superficial attitude on the part of the institutions. In their complaint, they note that the Consell held a moment of silence after the death, but that no real support has been shown to the affected family. This lack of empathy and collaboration, they say, deepens the pain caused by their loss.
In addition to criminal proceedings, the family has initiated a contentious-administrative process to seek financial liability. They have asked the court to request all relevant reports from the Coastal Authority, Civil Guard, Local Police, fire department, and emergency medical services. Their aim is to clarify where the chain of public responsibility failed.

Natural Beauty and Latent Risk

The coastline of Formentera, like many areas of the Mediterranean, is largely made up of sandstone — a type of rock that gradually erodes over time under natural elements. This erosion process creates formations that resemble balconies at the top and shaded recesses at the base… but their fragility makes them dangerous for anyone standing above or below.

It is essential to understand that geology works slowly but steadily. A ledge that looks stable today can collapse tomorrow. The beauty of these natural spaces must not blind us to their fragility. Many coastal areas lack signage or protective measures, which increases the risk of accidents, especially during peak tourist season.

That’s why, on this blog, I urge anyone visiting Formentera to be extremely cautious and to avoid standing beneath cliffs or on elevated areas that show visible signs of wear or cracks. What may seem like a shelter from the sun or a perfect viewpoint can, in a matter of seconds, become a deadly trap. Awareness of the risk is the best way to prevent tragedies like the one that occurred at Es Copinar beach in July 2024.