A ferry crossing the Strait of Gibraltar was forced to turn back after violent seas triggered by Storm Emilia caused extensive damage to vehicles onboard, Maritime Executive reports.
The ro/ro ferry Ciudad de Mahon set sail from Algeciras late Saturday night on a delayed voyage to Ceuta, only to encounter far harsher conditions than anticipated. Gale-force winds and heavy swells battered the vessel shortly after departure, culminating in what local media described as a “rogue wave” in the early hours of Sunday. The impact caused the ship to heel sharply, momentarily lifting her propellers clear of the water and prompting the master to abort the crossing and return to port.
The sudden motion inside the vessel proved costly. Cars on the vehicle deck broke free and slammed into one another, leaving dozens damaged, with dented panels and twisted bodywork. While the scene was chaotic and distressing for passengers, no injuries were reported.
Upon returning to Algeciras, the ferry was forced to wait nearly two hours for an available berth. During the delay, passengers were provided with food onboard. In total, the failed crossing and return lasted around five hours. Videos recorded by passengers later circulated online, showing vehicles piled at awkward angles and widespread damage consistent with the violent motion at sea.
According to Spanish media, Ciudad de Mahon had been assigned to the route because of her larger size, which operators believed would better withstand the storm. Both the ship’s master and port authorities approved the departure. However, Balearia later acknowledged that sea conditions near Ceuta were significantly worse than forecasts suggested, making safe docking impossible. The operator has offered compensation for damaged vehicles.
Following an inspection and improved weather conditions, the ferry was cleared to resume service. By Monday, Ciudad de Mahon had returned to her regular Algeciras–Ceuta schedule, with no further investigation planned.
