At around 9.15am on Tuesday morning, an explosion rocked the luxury harbour of Port Adriano in the southwest of Mallorca. A small motorboat burst into flames after a deflagration occurred. There were three German holidaymakers on board - two adults aged 33 and 35 and a nine-year-old boy. All three people were injured in the incident and required medical treatment.
Time and again, tragic accidents involving fire on board occur:
Dramatic rescue operation
The flames spread rapidly throughout the boat. The occupants of the boat saved themselves by jumping into the water. Images from a webcam show a thick black cloud of smoke rising over the harbour and the boat, which was still on fire, being towed away. The fire brigade and rescue services were quickly on the scene to extinguish the fire and care for the injured. The motorboat could no longer be saved and sank in the harbour basin.
The nine-year-old boy suffered burns in the accident and was taken to the Son Espases University Hospital in Palma de Mallorca for treatment. One of the adult Germans, aged 35, suffered several bruises and also had to be hospitalised. The third casualty escaped with a superficial burn on his leg and was treated at the scene.
Root cause analysis and safety measures
The exact cause of the explosion is still unclear and is currently being investigated. According to Mallorca Magazine, the boat had been in dry dock only a short time before after maintenance and had been launched again on the day of the accident. This raises questions about safety and possible technical defects.
The incident caused great excitement among the crews of other boats in Port Adriano harbour. The luxury harbour is known for its exclusive yachts and is a popular port of call for wealthy tourists. The fire not only posed a danger to those directly involved, but also to the surrounding yachts and the harbour infrastructure. The rapid response of the Calvià fire brigade in cooperation with the harbour staff may have prevented the fire from spreading to other boats. This incident emphasises the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks of boats, especially after repairs or long periods of storage. Boat owners and charterers should always pay attention to current safety regulations and have their equipment checked regularly. Good preparation for emergencies, including the presence and knowledge of fire extinguishers and life-saving equipment, can also save lives in critical situations.
