In a decisive ruling from the First Division of Palma County Court, a maritime incident involving a speedboat and two German sunbathers resulted in severe injuries and a consequential financial penalty. The court concluded that the employer, who received a two-year sentence from the Palma Fourth High Criminal Court, must pay 1.8 million euros to the victims. The decision underscores that basic safety measures and navigation regulations were neglected, contributing to an outcome that harmed two young travelers.
The events trace back to July 27, 2018, around 7:30 PM off the Es Trenc coast, when the boat captain faced charges for injuries linked to serious negligence. The consequences were catastrophic: two German tourists, aged 20 and 26, suffered life-changing injuries after their presence near a recreational vessel turned tragic. The incident highlighted the perils of high-speed boating in busy maritime zones and the potential costs of failing to heed safety protocols.
Witnesses indicate that the two victims were seated within a bright yellow personal watercraft, unprepared for what followed. The court’s findings, echoing those of the Palma Fourth Assizes Court, describe the vessel operated by Miguel Ángel RB as moving at 20 to 22 knots through a zone characterized by heavy maritime traffic. Behind the helm stood Catalina Soler, a former senator and former mayor of Felanitx, who is identified in the proceedings as the captain’s associate. The court noted the captain’s extensive sailing experience and intimate knowledge of the local waters, yet concluded that those qualifications did not excuse a failure to recognize and mitigate the hazards present at that location.
According to the ruling, unfavorable sea conditions and bright sun compromised visibility. The speedboat allegedly passed within 56 meters of the stern of a sailing vessel without reducing speed, and the captain did not detect the two swimmers in the water. The vessel’s propeller subsequently severed the right arm of the 20-year-old and caused serious injuries to the left leg of the 26-year-old, injuries so grave that amputation became necessary in the final stages of treatment. The court’s description emphasizes the avoidable nature of the incident given the navigational context and the known risks of operating a fast-moving craft in a dense traffic area.
The complainants, represented by attorneys Jaime Tomás-Verdera and Manuel Ramos, asserted that the employer’s conduct amounted to two offenses of injury due to serious negligence. The 4th Criminal Court, along with the Audiencia de Palma, supported this interpretation and rejected an appeal from the defendant, arguing that the lower court’s decision rested on solid factual and legal grounds. The ruling thus reinforces the principle that responsible operators must prioritize safety and that lapses in judgment in busy coastlines can carry substantial liability.
People familiar with the case note that the incident has prompted renewed discussions about maritime safety standards, especially in popular tourist zones where crowds and vessels intersect. Local authorities and maritime regulators have highlighted the importance of maintaining clear navigation rules, proper speed limits, and ongoing training for captains and crew. The outcome in Palma serves as a reminder that experience alone does not shield operators from accountability when negligence endangers lives.
In summation, the court’s decision ties the legal consequences directly to the broader duty of care owed by boat operators in high-traffic waters. The implicated employer faces significant financial responsibility, while the victims and their families pursue recovery for injuries that have altered their lives. The case stands as a concrete example of how thorough adherence to safety protocols can prevent tragedies on the water and how judicial systems respond when negligence leads to catastrophic harm. [Citation: Palma County Court decision, 2024]