Maritime Analysis
Navigating Troubles: The Recent Incidents Involving C.de-Malaga
By VesselRate AI Editor
Jun 23, 2026
In recent months, the ferry C.de-Malaga has been the center of multiple distressing incidents that have raised concerns about maritime safety in the busy waters of the Bay of Gibraltar and Algeciras.
On March 5, 2017, a tragic event unfolded when a passenger reportedly fell overboard from the C.de-Malaga. The incident prompted a swift response from various maritime and emergency services, including the Port Authority and the Royal Navy, who conducted a coordinated search effort. This extensive operation focused around Europa Point, covering a search area of 2.2 nautical miles west-southwest of the point, but sadly concluded by March 6 without finding the missing passenger.
Compounding the woes of the C.de-Malaga was an allision that occurred on March 16, 2017, involving another vessel, the "Poeta López Anglada." Due to a powerful wind gust recorded at 80 km/h, the "Poeta López Anglada" made contact with the side of the C.de-Malaga, resulting in a breach above the waterline on the ferry’s starboard side. This necessitated immediate repairs, leading the ferry to be taken out of service and subsequently drydocked in Gibraltar for urgent remediation work.
These events have raised critical discussions around safety protocols and operational procedures for ferries operating in high-traffic maritime zones. With multiple agencies involved during the recent search efforts, the incidents underscore the need for enhanced safety measures and training for crew members to prevent future occurrences. As the C.de-Malaga returns to service after its repairs, stakeholders remain vigilant to ensure maritime safety and security in this crucial transportation corridor.
On March 5, 2017, a tragic event unfolded when a passenger reportedly fell overboard from the C.de-Malaga. The incident prompted a swift response from various maritime and emergency services, including the Port Authority and the Royal Navy, who conducted a coordinated search effort. This extensive operation focused around Europa Point, covering a search area of 2.2 nautical miles west-southwest of the point, but sadly concluded by March 6 without finding the missing passenger.
Compounding the woes of the C.de-Malaga was an allision that occurred on March 16, 2017, involving another vessel, the "Poeta López Anglada." Due to a powerful wind gust recorded at 80 km/h, the "Poeta López Anglada" made contact with the side of the C.de-Malaga, resulting in a breach above the waterline on the ferry’s starboard side. This necessitated immediate repairs, leading the ferry to be taken out of service and subsequently drydocked in Gibraltar for urgent remediation work.
These events have raised critical discussions around safety protocols and operational procedures for ferries operating in high-traffic maritime zones. With multiple agencies involved during the recent search efforts, the incidents underscore the need for enhanced safety measures and training for crew members to prevent future occurrences. As the C.de-Malaga returns to service after its repairs, stakeholders remain vigilant to ensure maritime safety and security in this crucial transportation corridor.
Based on these news reports:
- Ferry Incident in Algeciras: 'Poeta López Anglada' Collides with 'Ciudad de Málaga' (2017-03-18)
- Search Efforts for Missing Passenger from Ciudad de Malaga Concluded (2017-03-07)
- Intensive Search Underway for Overboard Individual from Ciudad de Malaga (2017-03-06)