The Directorate General of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has activated a pre-alert situation for a marine pollution episode in the Port of Arrecife and its immediate maritime surroundings, in Lanzarote. The alert, which came into effect at 2:00 PM today, Tuesday, September 29, 2026, follows the sinking of the fishing vessel MONTE ARBALLU.
The fishing vessel, which was docked at the Naos cruise pier, was carrying approximately 10,000 liters of diesel fuel. Following the incident, a fuel slick measuring about 30 x 15 meters has been detected. The Port Authority of Las Palmas activated the Internal Maritime Plan (PIM) in Emergency phase at 1:05 PM, deploying two anti-pollution booms to contain the spill.
Due to the shallow draft in the area, actions are being evaluated and carried out for the refloating of the vessel. Concurrently, the Maritime Authority activated the National Maritime Plan (PMN) in Alert phase at 1:27 PM. The fuel slick is currently located and contained within the booms.
The declaration of pre-alert under the Territorial Plan for Civil Protection Emergencies of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands (PLATECA) aims for emergency monitoring, coordination among administrations and agencies, and the preventive availability of necessary resources.
