Abandoned Boats in the Balearics: What Happens Next?
What Was Found?
The regional ports authority, Ports IB, has marked eight small boats as abandoned. Seven of them are sitting in Colonia Sant Jordi and the other one is in Portocolom. Along with the boats, seven outboard engines were also left behind.
Why Were They Declared Abandoned?
None of the boats had any clear identification numbers or markings. After Ports IB sent out an official notice about “abandonment proceedings,” no one came forward to claim any of the vessels. Because the legal deadline for claiming them has now passed, the authority can treat the boats as its own property.
The Legal Process
Ports IB had to follow a set procedure before it could take control of the boats:
- Issue an official abandonment notice.
- Wait for a set period for any owner to step forward.
- Confirm that no claims were made.
- Declare the boats as abandoned and therefore the authority’s property.
All of these steps have been completed, so the boats are now officially under Ports IB’s control.
Where Will the Boats Go?
The abandoned vessels will be moved to a storage facility in Son Tous, near Palma. There they will be kept safely until Ports IB decides what to do with them—whether to sell, recycle, or dispose of them according to current regulations.
Why Removing Them Matters
Small boats that sit unused take up valuable space in marinas and harbors. By clearing out these abandoned craft, Ports IB frees up berths for boats that are actively used, making the ports more efficient and welcoming for sailors and tourists.
What Comes Next?
Ports IB will now evaluate the best way to handle the stored boats. Options might include auctioning them off, using parts for repairs, or recycling the materials. Whatever decision is made, the goal is to keep the ports tidy and make the most of the available docking space.
Conclusion
The discovery of eight abandoned boats in the Balearics shows how important it is for port authorities to follow clear procedures when vessels are left unattended. By following the legal steps, Ports IB can now reclaim the space, keep the harbors organized, and ensure that the ports remain usable for everyone who loves being on the water.
Reference: Source
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