Pateras spur rescue boost after six rescues

Six rescue operations were recorded off Formentera, in the Balearic Islands, this summer. Now Spain’s government says it will increase sea-rescue capacity after a notable rise in pateras — boats used by people reaching the Balearic coast.

Europa Press

Transport Minister Óscar Puente made the pledge in Madrid on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, during a Senate session. He said Salvamento Marítimo, Spain’s sea-rescue service, had assisted every boat carrying migrants detected near the Balearic coast.

Formentera already has a permanent rescue operation coordinated by the Balearic Islands Rescue Coordination Centre, which monitors shipping across the archipelago. Since 2025, the operation has gradually gained a boat, a Helimer helicopter able to work across the islands and a large tugboat. The resources were strengthened especially during the summer of 2025.

Puente called the service’s work in Formentera and across the archipelago this summer “highly positive”. He said the ministry and Spanish government wanted enough capacity to deal with every alert and humanitarian emergency, with spare capacity where possible.

He also praised the roughly 1,500 Salvamento Marítimo workers for their work during the summer season.

Six Formentera rescues: Pateras prompt rescue boost