Torrevieja port is rendered inoperable due to vandalism at the lighthouse

The eastern lighthouse at the Port of Torrevieja has been inoperable for several days. The green starboard light, which serves as a warning for the vessel’s entrance, has been inoperative since last weekend. The lighthouse’s outage is the result of sabotage that has affected several of its components, according to sources from the Department of Environment, Infrastructure, and Territory of the Generalitat Valenciana, which is responsible for the management of the Torrevieja port.

The same sources have not, however, specified the duration of the outage for this critical maritime signalling system, despite their assertion that efforts are being made to restore it to operational status as soon as feasible.

Sources say one of the purse seine fishing boats that is employed by a wholesale company in San Pedro del Pinatar (Murcia) and lands its cargo at the Torrevieja fish market was involved in an accident that resulted in significant damage to its bow. The crew of the boat, which is currently undergoing repairs at the Marina Salinas marina, attributes this incident to the absence of said lighting at the port entrance.

According to other frequent port users, the lighthouse’s green light has been malfunctioning for an extended period. Recently, the lighthouse, which is also referred to as the starboard lighthouse of the Port of Torrevieja, has been subjected to continuous maintenance.

Access is exceedingly restricted

Currently, it is exceedingly challenging for the lighthouse to endure an incident of vandalism. Since November of last year, the entire Levante breakwater, which spans approximately 1,200 linear metres, has been under reconstruction. This renovation is a component of the project to renovate the cantilevered promenade, which extends to the lighthouse tower at the end of the Levante breakwater. The perimeter of the area is enclosed by a fence, and private security personnel are stationed at the facilities to prevent the entry of anglers and pedestrians, who frequently utilise this area for recreational purposes.

Additionally, the construction work has completely dismantled the upper section of the wooden planks that served as the promenade’s foundation. Consequently, accessing the lighthouse is exceedingly challenging unless one proceeds from the stone and concrete blocks to the exterior of the breakwater.

The dimly illuminated lighthouse and the final section of the lighting system that stretches for over 1,400 linear metres and outlines the breakwater itself are both depicted in the images of the dark Levante breakwater that have been released.

The services that supply electricity to the entire port area are also being impacted by the work that has begun to convert the fairgrounds to accommodate the amusement park in the port area.

Communication

The Poniente and Levante lighthouses of Torrevieja are indispensable for guaranteeing the safety of vessels during navigation. Nevertheless, the artisanal fleet’s equipment enables them to navigate without adhering to the lighthouses to identify the port entrance. Numerous other illuminated reference points are now available.

Fishing vessels do not exclusively use lighthouses. The Real Club Náutico, Marina Internacional, and Marina Salinas are the three marinas in Torrevieja, which are home to over 2,000 recreational vessels and yachts. The bay’s mouth is constantly in motion, with boats entering and exiting the area. In addition, dozens of recreational vessels are available for rent, many of which do not require a skipper’s licence. We frequently observe jet skiers and users of various water sports, including paddle surfing. Merchant salt is additionally delivered at the Sal-Poniente dock.

The Generalitat (Catalan Government) oversees approximately thirty port facilities in the Valencian Community. Torrevieja, in conjunction with Dénia, is the most significant of the terminals under its jurisdiction.

The Torrevieja Fishermen’s Association, which is currently awaiting confirmation of its concession from the Generalitat (Catalan Government) and provides unloading services and auctions to the Murcia and Almería purse seine fleet, has not offered any commentary regarding this shortage. Torrevieja fishermen operate exclusively small-scale fishing vessels. The local purser fleet has vanished entirely.

For more than a decade, the port of Torrevieja has been without a maritime captain, a civil servant position that is predominantly responsible for the supervision of traffic safety in maritime waters.