Mallorca: 26 pateras face removal from Balearic ports

Two pateras and an engine from Mallorca’s Colònia de Sant Jordi are set to leave the port for storage at Son Tous after being declared abandoned. They are part of a wider PortsIB process involving 26 small boats, known as pateras, and 12 engines held in Balearic ports. The first case began in October 2025.

PortsIB published its decisions on the two boats and engine, listed under codes 38/2025 and 39/2025, in Spain’s Official State Gazette and the Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands. No interested party submitted an objection before the deadline.

The authority said the vessels had no registration or enough information to identify an owner or agent. It will now take the two pateras and engine to Son Tous for safekeeping.

PortsIB has also opened proceedings for another 24 pateras and 11 engines. Spain’s maritime rescue service, Salvamento Marítimo, towed or left them at several ports run by the Balearic authorities.

These vessels likewise have no registration or details that establish ownership. With space running short in the port compounds, the boats and engines are due to be moved to Son Tous while the administrative process continues.

The start of those proceedings will be published in both official gazettes. Anyone with a claim has 15 working days to inspect the file, object and submit evidence. The decision will also be sent to the Government Delegation.

Port rules allow PortsIB to declare vessels and other items abandoned when they have no registration, no owner can be identified and they lack the required permission. Once formally abandoned, items with economic value can be sold at public auction; those in poor condition or posing safety concerns can be destroyed.

Topics: Sea rescue · Migration · Politics · Ses Salines

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com