Benalmadena platform removal plans given the go ahead

The huge Costa del Sol construction platform that ran aground metres from the shore in storms cannot be immediately moved.

Ferrovial, who own the gigantic structure, say it is stable and does not pose danger to Benalmadena residents or beachgoers with no immediate bad weather forecast.

Plans are in place to remove the platform next week, according to the company.

Benalmadena mayor Victor Navas has nevertheless asked Ferrovial to install a security perimeter around it and the nearby beach is to be closed until this takes place.

This decision follows one person scaling the huge gantry to take selfies after paddling out in a kayak.

Hundreds of local residents and tourists have in recent days flocked to the Benalnatura nudist beach and surrounding viewpoints to check out the Agronauta platform since it came to rest in last week’s storms.

The platform broke free of a Portuguese tugboat towing it to Cadiz during the storms before drifting along the Costa del Sol for hours, creating some spectacular scenes.

At one point it appeared to be on a collision course with the popular Puerta Marina residential and tourist complex but after changing direction it came to rest after passing the Torrequebrada casino.

The Ferrovial outline plan to free the platform has been approved by the Junta de Andalucia, and they will now work with the Spanish Department of Infrastructure maritime branch.