The Partido Popular (PP) has presented a motion in the Joint Commission on Insularity requesting the central Government to assign a permanent vessel of the Maritime Service of the Civil Guard for Formentera. According to Senator Cristóbal Marqués, the measure seeks to address the lack of coastal surveillance in the Balearic Islands, especially in the summer months, when maritime traffic and irregular boat arrivals increase significantly.
Lack of resources is a concern in the Balearic Islands
Marqués stressed that the current six vessels of the Maritime Service are insufficient to cover the surveillance needs in the islands, where more than 30,000 recreational boats operate in high season.
In addition, he pointed out that Formentera and Menorca are the most affected by this shortage, as they lack permanently assigned boats and depend on travel from Palma. The senator has also warned of the increase in arrivals of migrants in irregular boats, which this year have tripled the figures recorded in 2023, attributing it to the increased activity of mafias operating in the region.
Approval of the motion and criticisms of management
The motion presented by the PP includes, in addition to the request for the vessel, an increase in the human and material resources of the Maritime Service throughout the Balearic Islands. Although it received majority support in the Joint Commission, the PP has pointed out contradictions in the PSOE, accusing the party of not maintaining a uniform position between what it defends in Madrid and in the Balearic Islands. “It is difficult to understand that, while in the Balearic Parliament all the groups voted in favor of this measure, in Madrid another attitude is adopted,” commented Marqués. The PP believes that increasing surveillance resources is not only necessary to ensure coastal security, but also to respond to the demands of tourism and maritime trade in the Balearics. According to the party, this investment would allow Formentera and other smaller islands to have a greater capacity to respond to emergencies and illegal activities, as well as to ensure a more efficient management of its coastline.
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