Gibraltar Port Authority Responds to Mayday Call

The Gibraltar Port Authority came to the rescue of a private yacht suffering a fire in its engine room soon after it departed Ocean Village Marina.

The Port Authority received a mayday call from the yacht on Monday May 16 and immediately put its emergency response plan in place, with the Fire Brigade being contacted and tugs requested – both of which were promptly on the scene.

The fire was brought under control by the Motor Yacht very quickly and was then towed safely to the Port and duly secured.

There were five persons on board but no injuries were reported.

Deputy Captain of the Port, J Manuel Tirado said: “once again, the Port Authority and its partners responded very professionally to a potentially dangerous incident and clearly demonstrated the excellent cooperation between all parties involved.”

The Minister for the Port, Paul Balban, thanked everyone for their support and quick response in carrying out their responsibilities in respect of the protection of seafarers and safety of navigation within British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.