Agents from PortsIB carried out ten interventions in Port de Sóller, six of which were in-depth inspections, and issued a report for possible irregularities as part of the Coastal Surveillance Service.
The operation, conducted this Monday, is part of the Coastal Surveillance Service promoted by the Ministry of the Sea and Water Cycle. Inspectors focused on detecting activities of irregular nautical chartering, a practice that, according to the Government, harms compliant businesses and creates unfair competition.
Six in-depth inspections and a report
Of the ten vessels boarded, six underwent thorough checks to verify their documentation, licenses, and safety conditions. As a result, a report was issued for possible irregularities that will be forwarded to the competent authorities for the opening of an administrative file. Sources from PortsIB confirmed that the report corresponds to violations detected during the inspection, although they did not specify the type of infringement.
The Minister of the Sea and Water Cycle, Juan Manuel Lafuente, the manager of PortsIB, Kiko Villalonga, and the mayor of Sóller, Miquel Nadal, witnessed the operation on-site. Lafuente highlighted that irregular activity "harms compliant businesses, generates unfair competition, and can lead to safety issues." The minister emphasized that the service allows for a permanent presence at sea and quicker action in response to possible violations.
22 vessels to monitor the coastline
The Coastal Surveillance Service has this season 22 vessels distributed among all the islands. Each is staffed with a captain and an inspector from PortsIB, covering both coastal waters and support areas for the ports managed by the entity. The aim is to strengthen inspections, inform sailors, and deter illegal practices such as unlicensed chartering or renting vessels without the required conditions.
For the residents of Sóller and tourists enjoying the port, this surveillance represents a guarantee of legality and safety. "We want Port de Sóller to be a benchmark for quality and regulatory compliance," said Mayor Nadal, who positively assessed the coordination between administrations. The bay of Sóller, one of the most visited spots in Tramuntana, has seen an increase in charter offerings in recent years, prompting authorities to intensify controls.
A recurring problem on the Mallorcan coast
Intrusion in the nautical sector is not new in Mallorca. According to data from PortsIB, over 200 interventions were carried out across the island last season, with about thirty reports for irregularities. The most common violations include lack of insurance, absence of nautical qualifications, or renting vessels without the corresponding registration. The Government hopes that the continued presence of inspectors at sea will reduce these practices.
The operation in Sóller is part of a broader campaign that will extend throughout the summer. Tourists and residents renting vessels must ensure that the boat has all documentation in order and that the company operates legally. "It's not just a matter of competition, but of safety for users," warned Lafuente. The next step will be processing the issued report, which could lead to economic sanctions of up to 60,000 euros in the most serious cases.
You may also like
