Spanish police launched an air and sea operation lasting over 30 minutes to intercept a 52-year-old man who had stolen a luxury speedboat worth more than 1 million euros (approximately 38 million baht) from a port on Mallorca. The suspect refused to stop the boat and attempted to ram patrol vessels multiple times before finally surrendering and being taken into custody on multiple serious charges.
The Spanish Guardia Civil arrested the 52-year-old man accused of stealing a luxury speedboat valued at more than 1 million euros (around 38 million baht) from Puerto Sóller on Mallorca Island. He then attempted to evade capture by piloting the boat recklessly to avoid law enforcement.
The incident began after Spain's emergency number 112 alerted authorities that a rental company’s boat had been stolen. The company cooperated with officials to track the vessel, which had one man and one woman aboard and was heading away from Mallorca.
The Guardia Civil dispatched two maritime operational boats along with a helicopter to search for and intercept the stolen vessel. The pursuit extended to Tagomago Island off the coast of Ibiza. Authorities repeatedly ordered the man piloting the boat to stop and turn off the engine, but he ignored the commands and continued to flee.
During the chase, the suspect reportedly attempted to ram Guardia Civil boats several times, forcing officers to maintain a safe distance while closely tracking the boat by air and sea. The helicopter provided aerial support and monitored movements from above.
After about 30 minutes, authorities successfully intercepted the speedboat. Footage from Guardia Civil cameras showed the luxury vessel breaking away from the officers’ boats before eventually stopping in open water.
Following the interception, the 52-year-old man was arrested, with a woman who had been on board at the time also present. The man faces multiple charges, including theft, resisting law enforcement, and assault or violence against officers.
The Guardia Civil stated that the stolen boat is valued at approximately 1 million euros and belongs to a rental company based in Puerto Sóller. Authorities are investigating details of the theft, the suspect's behavior, and events during the chase before proceeding with legal action under Spanish justice procedures.
This incident highlights the risks maritime authorities face when intercepting stolen vessels, especially when suspects attempt high-speed escapes using dangerous maneuvers amid the waters of the Balearic Islands, a key tourist area in Spain.
.sourceAssociated Press/Majorca Daily