Spanish Businessman Missing After Falling Overboard While Fishing
Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Spanish businessman Juan José Mutilba has gone missing at sea after falling overboard from his boat.
- He fell while fishing for tuna between Sicily and Greece, reportedly slipping on the fish's blood.
- His wife, who was on board, was unable to contact help for three days before managing to alert authorities.
Spanish businessman Juan José Mutilba, 66, is missing at sea after falling overboard from his boat while sailing between Sicily and Greece. Mutilba, known for his company Mutrobe S.L. which distributes drinking water in Spain, was on a trip with his wife when the incident occurred on Tuesday. The search for him only began on Friday, three days after he disappeared.
Mutilba had been fishing for tuna when he caught a large fish. Reports suggest he slipped on the fish's blood and fell overboard. His wife, who was reportedly not experienced in sailing, was unable to control the boat or contact help for three days due to a lack of phone signal.
She eventually managed to reach a family friend experienced in sailing, who then alerted the Spanish Sea Rescue. Italian rescuers were notified on the third day after Mutilba's disappearance. The Greek coast guard later found the boat and towed it to Pylos, Greece, the couple's original destination.
While the search for Mutilba continues, hopes of finding him alive are slim. His family has contacted the Spanish embassy in Rome for assistance.
Originally published by Morgunblaðið in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.