the ship, of some 14 meters long and with seven people on board, it was practically sunk after the impact. The occupants managed to take refuge in a lifeboat and were evacuated to the port of Palamós. One of the injured was treated with a less serious prognosis and two others suffered minor injuries.
A maritime accident on the verge of Ant Islands, in front of the Baix Empordà coast, ended Saturday night with three people injured and a boat practically sunk.
The events took place on Saturday 5 of September, around the 22.10 hours, when a boat of 14 meters of water, with seven people on board, it hit some rocks in the Formigues Islands reef area, within the municipal area of Palamós.
The impact caused a particularly delicate emergency situation due to the time when the accident occurred and due to the characteristics of an area marked by the presence of islets and reefs.
After receiving the notice, an extensive rescue device was launched with the participation of the Firefighters of the Generalitat and Maritime Rescue.
The seven occupants left the ship
They mobilized to the scene four fire departments of the Generalitat, with cash from Special Performances Group (GRACE) underwater, specialized in interventions of this kind.
It was also activated Salvamar Sirius of Maritime Rescue, who headed towards the Formigues Islands to participate in the operation.
When the emergency teams arrived in the area, the situation of the ship was critical. The boat was located practically sunken, but the seven occupants had been able to leave it and were in one lifeboat.
This fact was decisive so that the incident did not have much more serious personal consequences.
The rescue teams located the occupants and proceeded to evacuate them from the accident area to transfer them to the mainland.
Three injured, one of them less serious
The seven occupants of the boat were taken to the port of Palamós, where the health services awaited them.
An ambulance from Medical Emergency System (WHICH) assisted the seven crew members after the rescue.
Finally, three people were injured. According to the information provided by the emergency services, one of them had character injuries less serious, while the other two suffered injuries mild.
No serious injuries have been reported among the rest of the occupants.
The operation allowed, therefore, rescue alive the seven people traveling on board despite the fact that the boat had been practically submerged.
A unique area of the Baix Empordà coast
THE Ant Islands they are located in front of the coast between Palamós and Palafrugell and constitute one of the most characteristic points of this section of the Costa Brava.
The archipelago is made up of four main islets and several reefs, characteristics that make up a unique maritime landscape but which also force sailors to be especially aware of the situation of the shoals and rock formations in the area.
Precisely this summer, the Government of the Generalitat has declared the Formigues Islands cultural heritage of national interest, reinforcing the recognition of an enclave that is part of the natural heritage, landscape and history of the Baix Empordà.
A coordinated rescue operation
The accident once again highlights the importance of coordination between the different emergency bodies in the face of an incident at sea.
In this case, the joint intervention of the Fire Department - with specialists in underwater rescues -, Salvament Marítimo and subsequently the SEM allowed to locate, evacuate and assist the seven occupants.
The fact that the crew had a lifeboat and were able to leave the vessel before it almost sank also facilitated the rescue tasks.
By now, the information made public confirms that the boat is going crash into some rocks, but they do not detail the circumstances that caused the impact. therefore, it cannot be determined whether the accident was related to a navigation error, a technical incident or any other circumstance.
The opinion of LA PROA DIGITAL
An accident that should also serve as a reminder of the extent to which the sea demands respect, preparation and prudence.
The Costa Brava is a privileged area for sailing, but its beauty is accompanied by a complex coastline, with coves, cliffs, islets, low and rocky areas that require constant attention, especially when sailing at night.
Of THE DIGITAL BOW consider that, beyond the specific circumstances of this accident - which will have to be determined by the competent bodies -, episodes like this remind us of the need to never let our guard down at sea.
Route planning, the consultation of nautical cartography, the correct operation of the navigation systems, the availability of rescue elements and permanent attention to the environment are basic measures that can make the difference when an emergency situation occurs.
In this case, fortunately, the seven occupants were able to leave the vessel and take refuge in a lifeboat. And the response of the professionals who mobilized at night to reach the Ant Islands was also decisive.
That's why, of LA PROA DIGITAL we want to particularly highlight the work of the Generalitat Fire Department, of the cash of the GRAE, Maritime Rescue and Medical Emergencies System. A coordinated intervention that prevented a major maritime accident from ending up with a much more serious toll.
The tourist season may be reaching its final stretch, but maritime activity continues to be intense on the Costa Brava. Safety at sea does not understand the calendar or the dimensions of the vessel: prudence, prevention and having the right safety equipment are still the best protection.
