A MARINE platform being towed to Cádiz came off its transporter and floated away out to sea of the coast of Benalmádena (Málaga province) due to high tides yesterday (Friday).
The Portuguese tow boat, the Monte da Luz, contacted the coastguard at 11.40 to report that it was trying to dock but was unable to reach dry land due to turbulent sea conditions.
Two coastguard crafts were sent out to help, but the towing line had become tangled and there was nothing anyone could do to resolve the Monte da Luz's predicament.
Eventually, some time around 14.20, the tow line broke altogether and the platform was carried off by the current, eventually becoming grounded between the Torrequebrada and Hondo beach areas of Benalmádena.
The 43-metre-long, 32-metre-wide platform, a type of 'super-barge', was carrying giant concrete blocks and was filled with 150 litres of fuel for its own use.
It had left the port of Cartagena (Murcia region) for Cádiz earlier that morning.
Coastguard officials had managed to contain the platform by around 17.00, but are now waiting for the owner to arrange for it to be re-floated.
Meanwhile, the Monte da Luz has to remain in Benalmádena until it receives further instructions.
Mayor Víctor Navas stresses the floating platform does not present any danger to the general public.
