Crew aboard a sailing vessel reported a troubling scene off the coast of Málaga this Monday. Earlier that day, two missing youths were presumed to be in danger after disappearing under unclear circumstances the previous afternoon. A paddle board and personal items belonging to the teenagers were located by a search team, suggesting they may have attempted to navigate the sea together. The discovery was confirmed by Marine Rescue personnel following information gathered from the ongoing patrols and coordinated efforts with local authorities.
The paddle board, described as occupied, was found about 25 miles southeast of Málaga. Two Marine Rescue units, the vessels Alnitak and Jamal, along with a Civil Guard patrol boat, remained engaged in the search operation throughout the afternoon and into the evening. The coordinated effort reflected the seriousness of the incident and the remote location of the search area, which stretched well beyond the immediate coastlines to an open-sea zone.
The moment of the find occurred at 6:43 p.m., according to the latest available sources. The report notes that the two youths, aged 29 and 34, had been reported missing since early Monday afternoon. Rescue services from several agencies were mobilized to assist, with air resources joining the missions to widen the search pattern and improve detection in rough sea conditions.
Local authorities indicated that the pair had set off with the intention of enjoying a sunrise at sea, carrying a paddle board, and beverages in a thermos. They had left Playa de la Misericordia at dawn, but did not return as expected. The Emergency Coordination Center for 112 Andalusia confirmed the plan and the subsequent deployment of responders to monitor the area from dawn until nightfall, as winds and sea states intensified later in the day.
The search area extended from Málaga city, along the coast to the Nerja meridian, and far offshore by about 25 miles. Friends connected to SOS Desaparecidos explained the young men were embracing a seaside morning activity, attempting to witness the sunrise while afloat. They reportedly ignored warnings about strong northerly winds, which later generated a high number of incidents along the Malaga coast on Sunday. The weather conditions undoubtedly complicated the rescue operation, demanding a larger response from multiple agencies.
At the height of the day, a robust response involved up to eight vehicles and four marine units, with four air assets also participating. The entire operation was coordinated from the Marine Rescue center in Oran, Cadiz, ensuring tight synchronization among teams and resources. The scale of the deployment underscored the seriousness of the incident and the difficulty in locating missing persons at sea when visibility and currents are unfavorable.
In parallel, the local police presence around Málaga and neighboring towns—including Torremolinos, Rincón de la Victoria, and Benalmádena—was stepped up early Monday. The joint effort included the Civil Guard and the Red Cross, reinforcing the on-ground search with additional manpower and logistical support. Throughout the day, responders focused on widening the search perimeter, surveying coastal coves and open water, and maintaining communications with the families while information was being updated through official channels. The aim was to locate the missing youths safely and to determine the circumstances that led to their departure from shore that Sunday morning.
As the investigation continues, authorities expect to gather more data from maritime patrols and air reconnaissance to piece together the sequence of events. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with sea-station activities, particularly when wind conditions are unfavorable and visibility is limited. Rescue teams emphasized the importance of safety gear, constant communication, and staying within known safe zones when engaging in water sports. The situation remains under active review, with agencies maintaining a high level of readiness to respond to any new developments nearby or further offshore.