A catamaran measuring around 15 metres was severely damaged after breaking free from its mooring and being driven onto the rocks between Talamanca beach and es Botafoc during the storm affecting Ibiza.

The incident occurred overnight into Friday, 2 October, as strong winds and rough sea conditions affected the island.

According to local reports, the catamaran had been anchored off the Talamanca coast and was dragged towards the cliffs after becoming detached from its mooring. The vessel repeatedly struck the rocks and was left heavily damaged and unusable.

Storm Conditions Across Ibiza

The incident coincided with a period of unsettled weather across Ibiza and Formentera.

Spain's State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, had issued a significant storm warning for Ibiza and Formentera on Friday, 2 October, with thunderstorms and heavy precipitation expected. Its coastal forecast also warned of very strong showers and thunderstorms in the waters around Ibiza and Formentera.

AEMET's wider special weather bulletin described an episode of considerable atmospheric instability affecting the Balearic Islands, with the unsettled conditions expected to continue into the weekend.

From Talamanca Towards es Botafoc

The catamaran was reportedly positioned in the Talamanca area before being carried towards the rocky coastline between the beach and es Botafoc.

The area is regularly used by boats seeking shelter in the bay, particularly during the summer season. However, the incident demonstrates how rapidly conditions can change when strong winds and heavy seas affect an exposed vessel.

A separate local report also states that the catamaran had remained in the area for much of the summer before being swept towards the rocks during the storm.

Another Boat Incident in the Same Area

The latest incident is not the first time a vessel has ended up on the rocks around Talamanca during bad weather.

In 2024, another catamaran broke loose during a storm in Talamanca, struck the rocks and eventually sank. Ibiza Town Hall subsequently refloated the vessel after the owners did not remove it, with the municipality stating that it acted to reduce the risk of pollution.

The two incidents are separate events and there is no indication that the vessels or circumstances were connected.

Severe Damage

The catamaran involved in Friday's incident was left severely damaged following repeated impacts with the rocky coastline.

At the time of reporting, the available reports did not establish whether the vessel's mooring failed because of a specific technical problem, weather-related forces or another cause. No responsibility should therefore be attributed without further information from the relevant authorities.

The incident comes as Ibiza and Formentera experience a period of unsettled autumn weather, with AEMET continuing to monitor heavy showers and thunderstorms affecting the islands.