Businessman missing at sea after falling overboard; wife alone for 3 days

A Spanish businessman is feared lost at sea after falling overboard from his sailboat in the Ionian Sea. The 66-year-old, identified as Juan José Mutilba Obregón, was sailing with his wife, Carmen, from Sicily to Pylos, Greece, when the incident occurred.

The couple departed from Syracuse, Sicily, on Monday, August 17th. According to reports, Juan José was fishing for tuna when he slipped while cleaning the fish on deck and fell into the water. His wife, Carmen, heard him shout, "Menchu, Menchu, stop the engine!" as he entered the sea.

Carmen, who holds a recreational boating license, was reportedly unable to manage the large vessel alone in the emergency. The sailboat continued to move away from her husband, leaving him adrift. For approximately three days, Carmen was alone on the boat, which was estimated to be about 150 nautical miles offshore, with no phone signal.

She attempted multiple times to check for a signal to contact emergency services. Meanwhile, a friend of Juan José's, who was monitoring their route, noticed the sailboat had deviated from its planned course. This friend was unable to reach the couple due to the lack of internet connection. On Friday, August 21st, Carmen finally regained phone signal and contacted a friend, triggering a rescue operation coordinated by the Spanish Maritime Rescue and involving Greek and Italian authorities. The Greek Coast Guard has launched a preliminary investigation into the incident.