The Balearia Ferry, Bahia de Malaga, which runs the service from San Antonio to Denia ran aground last weekend as it attempted to enter the harbour of the mainland port.
Initial thoughts are that the strong winds and high waves buffeted it against the rock breakwater as it was manoeuvring into its berth from the open sea. Over 60 passengers and 20 crew had to be rescued by launches on a cold dark night, and everybody reached terra firma safe and sound.
The ship wedged on the rocks soon became the town's biggest tourist attraction, as thousands turned out to see it and the operation to remove excess fuel before it could be towed to safety. Later in the week a tug took only 40 minutes to release the trapped ferry which sailed immediately to the repair yards in Cartagena where it will undergo a thorough check up.
As an immediate consequence of this Balearia have had to withdraw their planned direct service from Formentera to Denia, as they don't have enough ferries and the Manuel Azaña ferry is now operating from San Antonio to Denia.