Never underestimate the power of the Sea in the Mojacar Beach area

SATURDAY was one of those idyllic September days. Warm weather, blue skies and the  sea resembling a mill pond.

Having picked up my daughter from horse riding lessons at Didi’s on Mojacar playa we took the opportunity to walk along the Paseo to The Beachcomber for a late breakfast.

We all commented how calm the sea was and as a boat owner myself I was lamenting the fact that I hadn’t taken mine out.

Then the wind picked up!

In the time it took to eat a full English the sea turned to show its full power and glory. 

A Spanish owned speedboat usually moored in Garrucha was a casualty. Anchored some 150 metres off shore they realised the tide was turning. They weighed anchor but before they had time to trim the engines down and power away the wind had blown them onto the rocks outside Ankara Beach Bar.

Speaking to the skipper he said that he just could not believe it. By the time the props hit the water it was too late. They were in the shallows and the inevitable happened. That is the incredible power of the sea here and it turns on a sixpence.

This area has very odd sea conditions.

There are always politicians and businessmen talking about a leisure marina in Mojacar. In my opinion it will never happen. During the 90 days of summer (July-September) Mojacar gets just 15 calm days.

Compare this with Aguadulce, Roquetas and Almerimar who in the same period get 70.

By Richard Shanley