Following a storm that swept through the Balearic Islands, a passenger vessel carrying 750 travelers from Valencia to Ibiza collided with the Ibiza port pier on Sunday.
According to the Balearic Islands Port Authority, the incident happened shortly after noon when the passenger ferry on the Valencia to Ibiza route, operated by Grimaldi, brushed the pier at Ibiza while docking in windy conditions. The collision occurred during the maneuver to berth, prompting a rapid response from the ship’s crew. Local officials and port authorities have noted the wind as a decisive factor in the accident, as reported by AP News in coverage of the event.
After the impact, the vessel corrected its maneuver and moored at an alternate quay within Botafoc Ibiza Marina, where all passengers and their vehicles were disembarked safely. This halt in activity helped prevent further incidents while the ship’s crew assessed the situation and stabilized the hull for the next steps.
The collision damaged the ship’s hull on its port side, causing a leak that led the Sea Captain to issue a temporary no-sail directive to ensure passenger safety. Mariners remain cautious as temporary repairs are evaluated and safety inspections are conducted before any return to service can be considered.
Meanwhile, passengers traveling from Ibiza to Valencia faced delays. Those with tickets on the Ciudad de Mahón could not board in Ibiza and were redirected to remain onshore at Botafoc Ibiza Marina Maritime Station while awaiting the arrival of a new vessel capable of transporting them to Valencia. Port officials coordinated with the ship operator to manage the crowd and provide shelter and information during the wait.
To address the discomfort and uncertainty created by the disruption, Grimaldi’s team arranged meals and beverages for travelers stranded on land due to the storm. The arrangements were designed to keep passengers nourished and comfortable until a replacement sailing could be organized later in the day, with additional crew oversight to maintain safety and order at the marina.
In the interim, the operator scheduled a replacement service on the Ciudad de Palma, a vessel belonging to Grimaldi that typically operates along a different route. This ship, which also carries vehicles, departed from Ibiza but temporarily shifted from its usual Barcelona itinerary to facilitate the Valencia-bound passengers. The coordination aimed to minimize further delays while ensuring that everyone reached their intended destination as safely and efficiently as possible. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as the maritime conditions evolve, with the safety and well-being of travelers remaining the top priority.
Overall, this incident illustrates how adverse weather can disrupt coastal ferry services and necessitate swift contingency planning. Authorities and Grimaldi representatives are working together to handle on-site logistics, manage passenger expectations, and implement safety procedures that can help prevent similar incidents in the future. Observers note that wind is a common complicating factor in such docking operations, underscoring the importance of rigorous safety checks and flexible scheduling in storm-prone regions.