Two bodies recovered along the Balearic coasts - found near Ciutadella and off Alcúdia

Two bodies found on Balearic coast: investigations underway

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Yesterday, two bodies were found along the coast of Menorca and off Mallorca. One body floated in a small cove near Ciutadella; the other was found near the coast off Alcúdia. Both bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition, and the exact identities are not yet known.

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How the discoveries came about

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The first find was reported early in the morning around 8:20 a.m. by a professional fisherman who was in the bay near Punta Nati. He said the body had washed ashore at a rocky spot. The second find off Alcúdia was noticed in the afternoon when a motorboat owner spotted the lifeless body floating in the water and called emergency services.

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The Guardia Civil has taken over the investigation in both cases. Investigators, divers and forensics were on site. Official authorities stress that too many questions remain open to make definitive statements about the origin of the victims.

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Possible link to missing boat

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In the past week, a boat with about 13 people aboard was reported, apparently departing from Algeria and heading toward Mallorca. That boat has been missing since then. Authorities do not rule out a connection between the finds and the missing migrant boat, but are still conducting DNA comparisons and other leads.

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On the islands, days like these carry that grim mix of concern and everyday life: children on their way to school, tourists enjoying the sun on the beach, and the quiet work of the rescuers. In Ciutadella, several residents gathered at the harbor last evening, spoke softly among themselves and watched the flags at the boat piers.

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What happens now

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The bodies will be autopsied and any possible fingerprints or personal items secured. The Guardia Civil asks potential witnesses to come forward—particularly captains, fishermen or bathers who observed unusual things between last week and yesterday—to come forward.

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It remains unclear whether these are victims of a maritime accident, migrants from a sunken boat, or other causes. Until the first forensic results are available, many questions remain open. Relatives can contact local authorities; investigators say they are working hard.

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For island residents, the news is heavy: two people whose names and fates remain unknown. The days ahead are expected to bring more clarity—and probably more questions.