Juan José Mutilba disappeared after falling from his boat between Sicily and Greece. His wife spent three days adrift before raising the alarm. Italian authorities continue the search amid difficult conditions.
The search for Juan José Mutilba, a 66-year-old businessman from Burgos, has entered a critical phase after he vanished in the Mediterranean between Sicily and Greece. Mutilba, retired since 2021 and known for his company supplying water drums to workplaces, was on a private fishing trip with his wife when the incident occurred. The disappearance has drawn attention due to the challenging circumstances and the family's urgent appeals for intensified rescue efforts.
According to details provided by his son, Sergio Mutilba, the couple set sail from Siracusa, Italy, on Monday, heading toward Pilos in southern Greece. The accident happened on Tuesday morning as Juan José was fishing for tuna. He reportedly slipped on fish blood on the deck and fell overboard. Despite holding a valid license to operate recreational vessels, his wife, Carmen Díez, was unable to stop the boat or rescue him, as panic set in and the vessel drifted away. She remained without communication for three days due to lack of coverage, unable to alert authorities or seek help.
It was only after regaining signal that Carmen managed to contact a family friend with nautical experience. This friend then notified Spanish Maritime Rescue, which coordinated with Italian and Greek counterparts. Greek authorities eventually located the boat and brought Carmen to Pilos, where she now waits with relatives for news. The family has publicly urged authorities to dedicate more resources to the search, highlighting the complexity of maritime operations in this region.
The case has resonated in Spain, especially given the unusual sequence of events and the prolonged period before the alarm was raised. As reported in a related story, the disappearance of Juan José Mutilba has mobilized search teams from multiple countries, reflecting the cross-border nature of the incident and the logistical challenges involved.
For context, the Mediterranean is one of the busiest maritime corridors in Europe, with frequent private and commercial navigation between Italy and Greece. Accidents involving small private vessels, while rare, can quickly become critical due to unpredictable weather, strong currents, and limited communication options at sea. Spanish citizens traveling or sailing abroad are advised to ensure all safety protocols are followed and to maintain regular contact with authorities or family, especially when navigating international waters. The ongoing search for Mutilba underscores the importance of rapid response and international cooperation in maritime emergencies.
