After missing the last bus from Soraluze to Elgoibar, three young people tried to return home by floating down the Deba river on an inflatable unicorn. Their journey ended in Maltzaga, still short of their destination, and drew the attention of surprised locals.
When the last bus from Soraluze to Elgoibar departed without them, three young people in Gipuzkoa made an unusual decision: they bought an inflatable unicorn and set out to navigate the Deba river in the early hours, hoping to reach home by water.
According to reports, the group had spent the night celebrating in Soraluze. Faced with no public transport options, they purchased the inflatable, carefully sealed their phones and documents in plastic bags, and entered the river fully clothed. Their plan was to float the roughly ten-kilometre distance to Elgoibar, using the river as an improvised route home.
Unexpected Obstacles
The journey quickly proved more challenging than anticipated. The Deba river between Soraluze and Elgoibar is marked by rocky stretches, small dams, foaming rapids, and several drops. The inflatable unicorn, designed for calm waters, was ill-suited to these conditions. The group managed to travel over five kilometres before reaching Maltzaga, still 2.4 kilometres short of their intended destination.
Eyewitnesses described seeing the trio navigating the river on the brightly coloured float, drawing both surprise and amusement from residents along the banks. Some locals speculated about the group's state after a night out, while others saw the episode as a harmless, if risky, adventure.
Improvised Route Draws Attention
The decision to use the river instead of waiting for another transport option or walking along the road turned a routine journey into a spectacle. The route is surrounded by major road connections, including sections of the AP-8 motorway, but the group opted for the waterway despite its hazards.
Media coverage highlighted the dangers of the river, noting that the inflatable unicorn was not designed for such conditions. While no injuries were reported, the journey involved navigating unpredictable currents and obstacles that could have easily led to accidents.
Journey Ends Short of Goal
After more than five kilometres, the group was forced to abandon their attempt in Maltzaga. Maps indicate that the remaining distance to Elgoibar was still significant, and the river's conditions likely made further progress impossible. The episode became a talking point in the area, with some comparing it to scenes from party films like Resacón en Las Vegas.
Images and details of the journey were published by laSexta, and the story quickly spread through the region. The local council of Soraluze has previously reported on restoration and safety works along the Deba river, but this incident underscores the unpredictable risks of using natural waterways for improvised travel.
While the group's river adventure ended before reaching Elgoibar, their unconventional attempt to get home has become one of the most memorable stories in the area this year.
