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MALLORCA

Magaluf: Parts of resort may be closed, Spanish authorities warn

Parts of the Spanish resort of Magaluf on the island of Mallorca may be closed down after crowds of young tourists were caught on video running amok without wearing masks or respecting social distancing, authorities said.

Magaluf: Parts of resort may be closed, Spanish authorities warn
AFP

Footage of rowdy British and German tourists at the weekend went viral on social media, sparking anger from Spaniards who feared the holidaymakers may spread coronavirus. 

Lawyers for the Balearic Islands government, which governs Mallorca where Magaluf is located, are studying ways to close down the street and bars around Punta Ballena in Platja de Palma. 

The measure would reassure countries like Britain and Germany, whose tourists form the largest groups by nationality to come to the resort, that Magaluf is a safe destination, reported Diario de Mallorca newspaper.

It will form a package of tougher measures, which are due to be unveiled on Tuesday by the regional government, to stamp out loutish behaviour. 

“Of course we want tourists to come, but not carry out these excesses,” said Nati Francés, the deputy mayor of Calvià, which includes Magaluf.

“We want tourists who enjoy nightlife, yes, but we do not want an alcohol theme park.”

The measures may also apply to Sant Antoni de Portmany in Ibiza. 

Face masks are compulsory in the Balearic Islands in all public or private places, including bars and restaurants and can only be removed whilst eating and drinking. Anyone flouting the law faces a fine of €100.

Wearing a mask will not be necessary at the beach, at swimming pools, when playing sports or playing a wind instrument.

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MALLORCA

Two Americans die scaling sea cliffs in Spain

Two American men have plunged to their deaths while scaling sea cliffs on Spain's holiday island of Mallorca, police said on Wednesday.

Two Americans die scaling sea cliffs in Spain
Two men die scaling sea cliffs in Mallorca. Photo: cocoparisienne / Pixabay

The bodies of the pair – aged 25 and 35 – were found on Monday floating in the water near the Cueva de es Cossi in the east of the Mediterranean island, a spokeswoman for the Guardia Civil police said.

They had been practising deep-water soloing, a form of rock climbing without ropes that relies solely on the presence of water at the base of a climb to protect against injury from falls.

“It appears that there was a rockslide and they fell,” the spokeswoman said.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after being alerted by swimmers in the area who spotted the badly bruised bodies of the two men floating in the water, she added.

Spain’s maritime rescue service recovered their remains, which were taken to the nearby port of Portocolom.

The area has long been popular for deep water soloing, also known as psicobloc.

While the sport is usually practised on sea cliffs at high tide, it can also be done on climbs above reservoirs and rivers.

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