Urgent rescue after plane crashes into sea in Spain before horrified tourists
Tourists in Mallorca watched on in horror after the small aircraft seemed to encounter trouble before plummeting into the water.
At first, the jet was seen flying low, but demonstrated no signs of concern. When it crashed, witnesses gasped as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Now, a major search and rescue has been launched after the plane vanished in the water. The incident happened on Saturday at around 8.20pm at the resort village of Soller in the north-west of Mallorca, Mirror UK reports.
Dramatic video footage shows the aircraft being driven by propellers as it flew low over the sea. At the moment, the number of occupants and their condition is unknown, however members of the Fire Station of the Port of Soller, Maritime Rescue and the GEAS of the Civil Guard have been immediately activated to carry out search and rescue work.
The authorities are working intensively in the search for possible survivors or victims. The Mallorca Fire Department says everything indicates that one or two people could be on board. As yet, the plane has not been located.
Maritime Rescue, Mallorca Firefighters and Civil Guard divers and patrol boats have rushed to the place where the aircraft has capsized. Rescue tasks are complicated by the absence of light.
The crash happened near Soller's port which is surrounded by cliffs, houses and hotels.
For more of the latest breaking news from the Irish Mirror check out our homepage by clicking here
For the latest news and breaking news visit irishmirror.ie/news.
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @IrishMirror - the official Irish Mirror Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook/irishmirror - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Irish Daily Mirror, Irish Sunday Mirror and irishmirror.ie.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Major warning for Irish holidaygoers as Ryanair staff across sunshine spot to strike in DAYS after union pleas ‘ignored'
ACTION PLAN Major warning for Irish holidaygoers as Ryanair staff across sunshine spot to strike in DAYS after union pleas 'ignored' A MAJOR travel alert has be issued for Irish holidaymakers as Ryanair handling workers at airports across Spain are set to strike. The scheduled industrial action will take place from August 15. Advertisement 3 Ryanair staff are set to strike across 27 Spanish airports Credit: Getty 3 The Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas was the first airport where strike action was planned Credit: EPA The strikes were initially expected to affect Madrid-Barajas Airport only. But overnight Spanish union UGT announced its extension to the rest of the airports where Azul Handling operates - 27 airports including Barcelona's El Prat and Malaga. The union said that failing a mediation talks breakthrough, the strike over working conditions would start over three days on August 15, 16 and 17 and continue four days a week until the end of the year - from 5am to 9am, midday to 3pm and 9pm to midnight. In a statement released late yesterday UGT raged: 'The protests at Azul Handling are the result of ongoing precarious working conditions and constant violations of labour rights, with which the Ryanair group company punishes its staff." Advertisement Saying it had requested mediation as a 'preliminary step' to going ahead with the industrial action, it added: 'The strike, which will begin on 15 August 2025, will affect all the company's bases and work centres in Spain and will take place during the following time slots: 05:00 to 09:00;12:00 to 15:00 and 9:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. 'After the first three days on August 15, 16 and 17, it will continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 31 December 2025. "The reasons for the strike announcement are the lack of stable job creation and consolidation of working hours for permanent part-time staff; imposition and coercion in the performance of additional hours, both ordinary and voluntary, with disproportionate penalties being applied in some cases; repeated failure to comply with the rulings of the Joint Committee of the Sectoral Agreement on guarantees and bonuses; and illegal restrictions on returning to work after medical discharge and on adapting working hours to exercise the right to work-life balance." Jose Manuel Perez Grande, Federal Secretary of the FeSMC-UGT Airline Union, said: 'Azul Handling maintains a strategy of precariousness and pressure on the workforce that violates basic labour rights and systematically ignores union demands." Advertisement The UGT was one of two Spanish unions threatening to cause chaos for holidaymakers in the Balearic Islands last month with a damaging hotel strike. Militants vowed to blockade Majorca's Palma Airport with demonstrations coinciding with the start of the planned walkout by 180,000 hotel and catering sector workers from July 10. Shocking moment Ryanair passenger sobs & hits door after being stopped from boarding as her 'hand luggage was too big' The strike was called off after UGT Balears announced a pre-agreement with hotel bosses which included a salary increase of 13.5 per cent over three years it described at the time as 'the largest increase in the history of the Balearic Islands.' Azul Handling was created in 2019 as a ground handling company primarily serving Ryanair and its subsidiaries like Buzz and Malta Air. Advertisement It says on its websites it operates at 27 airports in Spain, covers 500 flights a day and employs 3,000 'qualified professionals.'
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Major strike action to hit 12 Spanish airports that have Ryanair flights
Plus, what you need to know about flight compensation rules GROUNDED Major strike action to hit 12 Spanish airports that have Ryanair flights BRITS heading to Spain this month are being warned of chaos as baggage handlers are to strike at 12 Spanish airports. More than 3,000 workers are set to strike between August 15 and 17 and then will continue to strike every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at a number of Spanish airports. 2 Strikes are expected to hit 12 Spanish airport and impact Ryanair Credit: Alamy The strikes are set to continue through to the end of December. Organised by the union UGT, the repeated walk-outs by Azul Handling - Ryanair's handling subsidiary - are expected to impact the airline's operations. Ryanair's bases located in Valencia, Alicante, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Ibiza, Palma, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago, are expected to be impacted. The strike will affect all bases and work centres in Spain and will take place between 5am and 9am, noon and 3pm and 9pm to 11.59pm. By law, the workers have to provide a "minimum service", however this is yet to be specified. The protests are "against the sanctions imposed on workers and the abuse of hours". The FeSMC-UGT airline sector is requesting mediation before the Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service (SIMA). According to the union, the strikes are being called for various reasons including a lack of stable job creation, restrictions on medical leave and the consolidation of part-time staff's working hours. "UGT regrets having to go to these extremes and all the damages that may occur, for which the direct responsibility will be solely and exclusively the company and its reckless action with the workforce," the union commented. Jose Manuel Perez Grande, federal secretary of the FeSMC-UGT Air Union, claimed Azul Handling has "a strategy of precariousness and pressure on the workforce that violates basic labour rights and systematically ignores union demands". Flight cancelled or delayed? Top tips for handling travel disruptions The FeSMC-UGT Air Sector is now demanding that the company withdraw the sanctions, comply with the opinions of the Joint Commission and immediately open a real negotiation process. This would improve the working conditions of the more than 3,000 workers affected. A number of baggage handlers also went on strike at several Spanish airports for the same reasons last year. A Ryanair spokesperson told The Sun Travel: "Ryanair does not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these third-party handling strikes in Spain." Back in June, Ryanair also revealed Europe's worst air traffic control centres (ATCs) for delays. This included 1,642 of the airlines' flights to/from the UK being delayed, impacting nearly 300,000 British passengers. Ryanair commented that the European Commission and European governments "have taken no action to fix their shoddy ATC services and ATC delays will now be even worse in summer 2025". Micheal O'Leary, the airline's CEO, added that if staff shortages and ATC issues are not sorted, there will be "record ATC flight delays this summer". Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance. A European airport is at risk of closure as Ryanair is set to scrap all flights. Plus, Ryanair warns of record flight delays this summer.
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The underrated sunshine spot with 33C heat, sandy beaches, hidden caves & €35 Ryanair flights from Dublin
Visitors have taken to Tripadvisor to share their thoughts SPANISH GEM The underrated sunshine spot with 33C heat, sandy beaches, hidden caves & €35 Ryanair flights from Dublin TAKE a look at the stunning sunshine spot with sandy beaches, hidden caves and €35 Ryanair flights from Dublin Airport. Porto Cristo is a beautiful resort town located on the Spanish island of Mallorca. 4 Porto Cristo is situated on the east coast of Mallorca Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 It's home to lots of stunning sandy beaches Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 And Ryanair flights start at €35 this month Credit: Getty Images - Getty The hottest month of the year in Porto Cristo is August, and with temperatures now reaching 33C, it's the perfect destination for an end of summer break. Often called 'Mallorca's hidden gem,' Porto Cristo is known for its peaceful sandy beaches, scenic harbour and laid-back charm. Located on the eastern coast of the island, this former fishing village draws thousands of visitors from around the world looking to unwind away from the busy cities. And with Ryanair flights to Palma starting at just €35 this week, it's never been easier or more affordable to get there. The town sits on a sheltered bay, offering calm waters that are ideal for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. Close by, you will find some of the best beaches on Mallorca. Top picks include Cala Anguila and Cala Romántica – both boasting soft white sand and turquoise waters perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. These beaches, along with the peaceful marina, are dotted with restaurants and beach bars where you can enjoy a relaxing drink with a view. From the harbour, boat tours run daily to explore sea caves and nearby coves that are only accessible by water. One of the town's top attractions is the famous Cuevas del Drach – a stunning underground cave system with one of the largest underground lakes in the world. You can also visit the Torre del Serral dels Falcons, a 16th-century watchtower with panoramic views of the coast. Or take a stroll along the stunning seafront promenade, which is perfect for early morning walks or catching the evening sunset. If you want to explore more of Mallorca, Porto Cristo is a great base – with plenty of scenic drives and nearby villages to discover including Son Servera and Manacor. 'GREAT PLACE TO STAY' The area is also known for its food scene, and you'll find fresh paella, grilled prawns, and Mallorcan wines featured in menus throughout the town's restaurants. And if you're after a cold drink, expect to pay around €3.50 for a beer at most local bars or pubs. Visitors took to Tripadvisor to rate their experience in Porto Cristo. One person said: 'Well worth a visit, some lovely restaurants with shops and markets. "Nice port you can get there easily taxis are cheap or buses.' Another said: 'It's a great place to come where there are less tourists about. 'An ideal place to sit down, relax, and drink a beer and watch everyone passing by taking snaps. While another added: 'Great place to stay, with lots of lovely local bars and restaurants and a great harbour for people watching while sipping on a cold beer.'
