Spain ferry port tragedy claims two lives after car plunges into sea at Algeciras

Two women have died and two men have been injured after a car plunged into the sea at the Port of Algeciras in southern Spain during the early hours of Tuesday September 1 morning.

The tragedy happened at around 12.24am while the four occupants were preparing to board a ferry bound for Tangier, Morocco. Emergency services rushed to the scene after the vehicle fell into the water near berth number one of the busy Cádiz port.

Two occupants escaped from the submerged vehicle

According to port authorities, the car had already passed through the National Police checkpoint and had been directed by embarkation staff to a waiting area before boarding the ferry.

For reasons that remain under investigation, the vehicle continued moving instead of stopping, driving towards the edge of the quay before plunging into the sea. Initial reports suggest investigators are examining whether driver error may have played a role, although no official cause has been confirmed.

The two male occupants managed to escape from the sinking vehicle. Both were treated by paramedics and taken to hospital, with one reported to be in a critical condition.

The two women remained trapped inside the car and were recovered from the water by rescue teams. Sadly, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Major emergency response at the port

A large-scale rescue operation was launched involving Maritime Rescue, the Guardia Civil, specialist GEAS underwater divers, National Police, Port Police, firefighters and medical teams.

Divers worked to reach the submerged vehicle while emergency personnel secured the area and treated the survivors.

The Port Authority of Algeciras Bay confirmed the timing and location of the incident, while police have now opened an investigation to establish exactly how the vehicle entered the water.

One of Spain’s busiest ferry ports

The Port of Algeciras is one of Europe’s busiest passenger and freight gateways, serving thousands of travellers crossing the Strait of Gibraltar every day, particularly on routes linking Spain with Morocco. The port handles heavy traffic throughout the year and is a major departure point for passengers travelling to North Africa.

While incidents of vehicles entering the water at ferry terminals are rare, investigators will examine the movements of the car, the layout of the embarkation area and any other contributing factors before determining the exact cause of the tragedy.

Authorities have not yet released the identities or nationalities of the victims, and the investigation remains ongoing. Further updates are expected once police complete their enquiries and speak to the surviving occupants.