Yachts in the Balearic Islands, Mediterranean Spain, have been stranded, damaged and in some cases wrecked, following an explosive weather phenomenon known as a DANA, which occured on Thursday 15 August.

Published 3 months ago

Yachts Stranded

An intense weather phenomenon, known as a DANA, hit the Mediterranean coast of Spain including Catalonia, Valencia, and Murcia on Thursday 15 August, with the Balearic Islands the worst affected.

On 13 August the Spanish weather agency AEMET issued dangerous weather alerts for the islands, forecasting that the system would be centered on the Balearics on the 15th.

Many yachts, however, appear to have been “caught out” by the arrival of the DANA resulting in strandings and wreckage and yachts on moorings breaking free.

Dramatic footage on social media reveals the superyacht Wally Love stranded on the beach at La Savina, Formentera, as well as approximately a dozen other vessels. Many others were seen battling high waves and winds at sea to prevent grounding.

What is a DANA?

DANA is a Spanish acronym for Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos. It translates to”Isolated Depression at High Altitudes” – more commonly known in Spain as “la gota fría” (the cold drop). A DANA is a type of weather phenomenon in which a “pocket” of cold air in the upper atmosphere separates from the main stream and sweeps over a warmer air mass. This process can result in severe weather, including winds in excess of 100km/hour, heavy rains and flooding.

These events often occur in late summer and early autumn when the warm Mediterranean Sea provides the moisture needed for such storms.

Rain, Wind and Storm Surge

It was reported that the island of Menorca received more than 200 mm (78 inches) of rain in less than a day — more than 10 times its average August rainfall. Wind gusts exceeding 120km/hr were recorded (almost 65 knots).

Formentera port authority closed all ports to maritime traffic and the Balearic government’s emergencies department prohibited all outdoor group activities until the Friday. The fiestas for the Thursday “Feast of the Assumption” national holiday had to be cancelled.

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Related Information/News:

• See AEMET’s explanation of a DANA/gota fría (in Spanish)
• The worst of the storm is yet to come (Mallorca Daily Bulletin)
• La Savina, Formentera, DANA Storm Yachts Damaged (Superyacht Times)

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