Spanish ferry sinks after striking island
Iscomar's DON PEDRO goes down, but all aboard rescued



The Spanish RO-RO multi-purpose ferry, the DON PEDRO, owned by Iscomar, has sank this morning after striking a tiny barren island a mile from Ibiza

All 20 aboard the vessel were rescued. Seven had to be treated at hospital for minor injuries and hypothermia

She sank at around 05:30 hrs on her way from Ibiza to Valencia and had 150 tons of diesel fuel in her tanks which are reported to be leaking. The ship sank half an hour after striking the islet

Marine rescue services are seeking to contain the contamination from the leaking fuel.

The DON PEDRO is reported to have replaced another vessel on the route, the CARMEN DEL MAR, also operated by Iscomar, which was detained by authorities after deficiencies were found.

The 8762 gross tons DON PEDRO was built in 1984 by Astilleros de Santander of Spain.

As well as lorries and general goods she was also designed to carry containers.