ARCHIVED - Javea rental boat sinks twice in a fortnight

11 passengers were rescued after the boat sank in the Marina Alta, Alicante province

A rental boat with 11 people on board sank in Jávea (Xàbia) on Monday, August 23, two weeks after the same vessel took on water and eight people had to jump overboard before being rescued.

In dramatic scenes which mirrored those of just a fortnight earlier, frightened passengers were forced to dive into the sea near Cap de la Nau de Xàbia as the six-metre long boat began to sink.

Fortunately, three pleasure boats were sailing nearby and rescued the occupants, who had booked the boat for a fun day out sailing, with some being taken to Jávea Yacht Club and others to Denia. None of those on board were injured but were in a state of shock and lost personal belongings when the boat sank.

According to one of the passengers, the boat began to take in "more and more water" as it sailed close to Cap de la Nau, and the "experienced pilot tried to turn around and get back to port, but the boat sank quickly".

He also claimed the group were not told the same boat had sunk days earlier near the Cova dels Orguens and, as was the case this week, had to be towed back to port by the Marítime Rescue Services.

After the first incident, the vessel was checked for damage once back in the port, and no problem with the boat itself was found, leading experts to believe that it began taking on water due to excess weight on board.

Passengers involved in the latest incident claim they have since been told this particular boat is not suitable for navigating at sea and much less around Cap Prim, Cap Negre or Cap de la Nau in the Marina Alta where the winds and waves can change suddenly.

In another rescue in Jávea earlier this month, Cruz Roja (Red Cross) picked up four sailors and their pet after their boat capsized close to the Cova del Llop Marí.

IMAGE: Archive