The salvaging operation to refloat the stricken yacht on Playa de Carchuna a week or so ago, which ended with it being towed to Motril Port, was not cheap.

The price tag that the Government will have to pay (subsidiary liability) is 100,000 euros, which includes hiring a company specialised  in pollution clean-ups, based in Cartagena.

The Capitanía Marítima, (belonging to the Central Government) had to take on the responsibility of moving the stranded yacht after its owner simply disowned it, as did his insurance company.

However, this expense was just a case of covering the costs in the meantime because it had to be done quickly; the final bill will be handed over to its French owner.

The yacht is in the port where it will remain until all the necessary administrative paperwork is completed. If it’s not reclaimed by the owner, it will be auctioned for repairing or scrapping. Its owner bought it for approximately 300,000 euros, but it is certainly worse for wear after its encounter with a stoney beach.

(News: Carchuna/Motril, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia – Photo: still from video/P.G-T.)