PortsIB processes the abandonment of 26 migrant boats and 12 engines in Balearic ports

The entity has already declared two vessels and one engine from the port of Colònia de Sant Jordi as abandoned and has initiated proceedings for another 24 pateras and 11 engines.

Ports de les Illes Balears (PortsIB), an entity overseen by the Regional Ministry of the Sea and Water Cycle, is processing the abandonment declaration for a total of 26 patera-type boats and 12 engines stored in ports under regional jurisdiction. These actions will free up space and ensure the availability and operational efficiency of the port facilities.

On the one hand, PortsIB has declared the abandonment of two pateras and one engine from the port of Colònia de Sant Jordi, identified under code numbers 38/2025 and 39/2025. The procedure began in October 2025 and, given the lack of known ownership for the vessels, the resolutions were published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) and the Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands (BOIB).

Once the established period elapsed without any interested parties submitting claims, PortsIB resolved to declare them abandoned due to the absence of registration numbers or sufficient data to identify their owner or agent. The two vessels and the engine will be transferred to the Son Tous facilities for safekeeping and custody.

In parallel, PortsIB has initiated a second procedure to declare the abandonment of another 24 pateras and 11 engines, identified under code numbers 20/2025, 23/2025, 29/2025, and 33/2025 through 53/2025. These vessels were towed or deposited by the Maritime Rescue and Safety Agency (Salvamento Marítimo) across various ports under regional jurisdiction.

In this case as well, there is no registration or sufficient information to determine ownership. The lack of space in the port enclosures makes it necessary to move the boats and engines to Son Tous while the administrative processing is completed.

The initial resolution will be published in the Official State Gazette and the Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands. Interested parties will have a period of fifteen business days to examine the file, present claims, and submit any evidence they deem relevant. The resolution will also be communicated to the Government Delegation in the Balearic Islands.

Port regulations establish that PortsIB may declare vessels and other goods located within the ports' service area abandoned when they lack registration or data identifying their owners and are present without the corresponding authorization. Once abandonment is declared, the assets may be sold at public auction if they retain economic value, or destroyed when their condition or safety reasons require it.