A serious workplace incident unfolded in Ibiza when an explosion occurred, injuring a worker who was performing routine maintenance duties near a vessel docked in Santa Eulària port. Local emergency responders were alerted to the incident, and a rapid response was initiated to secure the scene and provide immediate medical attention. The event drew a swift arrival of the port’s emergency services, who coordinated initial on-site care and ensured that the injured individual could receive specialized medical evaluation without delay. The incident is being reviewed by local authorities to determine the factors that contributed to the blast and to assess any safety gaps that may have existed in the maintenance procedures aboard the vessel.
The time of the explosion was recorded as 14:35. The worker involved was 31 years old and held Ecuadorian nationality. He was employed by a maintenance contractor responsible for performing drilling and related tasks on equipment connected to a boat that was moored within the port area. The blast occurred during a drilling operation, resulting in a flash and flare that caused severe trauma to the worker’s face and forearms. The force of the explosion also impacted nearby components of the vessel, including a damaged tank that contributed to the overall severity of the incident. The scene required careful stabilization of the patient and immediate assessment of potential injuries beyond the visible ones, given the risk of blast-related damage and burns.
Emergency medical teams, including the Advanced Life Support Unit, arrived at the port to provide on-site stabilization and rapid transport arrangements. The injured individual was placed in their care and prepared for transfer to a hospital facility with the capability to manage complex blast injuries and burns. He was subsequently moved to Can Misses Hospital in serious condition. Medical staff there conducted an initial, comprehensive evaluation to determine the extent of injuries and to decide whether continued treatment on the island is feasible or if transfer to a mainland facility would offer a higher level of care. The incident prompted a review of port safety protocols and contractor procedures to ensure appropriate measures are in place to prevent similar events in the future and to safeguard workers in close proximity to maritime operations.