Call for better security in remote coastal areas

His comments came in the wake of a fire on a boat in Cala Varques at the end of last month which threw into sharp relief that there was no help at hand in this secluded cove.

Public Administration Councillor Simon Gornes was charged with relaying Pastor's message to the regional government. “The issue requires the involvement and collaboration of the Baleiarc government, because another emergency such as the one at Cala Varques could have even more serious consequences,” Gornes said.

Reportedly, after the boat burst into flames on 31st July, it started drifting towards the rocks covered in dry, low-lying shrubs. “It's just as well the fire didn't take hold amongst the thickets,” said Pastor, “because if it had we'd now be talking about a real environmental disaster.” The Mayor saw fit to point out that Manacor has the largest stretch of coastline in any of the municipalities of Majorca. Pastor said there are many examples of coves and small virgin beaches which, although difficult to reach, are much sought after by tourists for the very reason that they are secluded. He said isolation doesn't excuse local authorities from failing to provide a rapid response security system in the event of emergencies. So far as bathing safety is concerned, the Red Cross lifeguard already has a method of keeping an eye on safety close to the shore through the use of jet skis and launches that patrol the inlets.