An engine stopping while you are under way is one of the most stressful moments for any skipper. With a calm head and a clear order of checks, it can often be solved in minutes. If not, what matters is keeping everyone safe and knowing who to call.
1. Safety first
- Make sure nobody is hurt and everyone is wearing a lifejacket.
- If you are near rocks or the shore and the wind is pushing you towards them, drop anchor as soon as the depth allows.
- Check for water coming in: look at the bilge and switch on the bilge pumps.
2. Basic checks
- Fuel: is there any left in the tank? Is the fuel valve open?
- Filter and water separator: water or dirt in the fuel is one of the most common reasons an engine stops.
- Cooling: if the engine stopped on high temperature, check that the water intake is not blocked by a plastic bag or weed, and that water is coming out of the exhaust.
- Propeller: a rope or net caught round it can stall the engine. Never go into the water with the engine running.
- Batteries: if the engine does not turn over, check the battery switch and terminals.
- Kill cord: on outboards, check that the safety lanyard is properly fitted.
3. If you cannot fix it
Do not force the engine or attempt complicated repairs at sea. If people or the boat are in danger, call for help immediately:
- Spanish Maritime Rescue (Salvamento Marítimo): +34 900 202 202, or VHF channel 16.
- Emergencies: 112.
If there is no immediate danger and you only need technical assistance, call your marine engineer and give your position, the boat and engine model, and what happened just before the failure.
Most breakdowns at sea come down to fuel or cooling. Regular maintenance prevents almost all of them.
Emergency technical assistance in Mallorca
Ocean Pro Nautic handles emergencies 24/7 in Palma and all over Mallorca. Call us or message us on WhatsApp at +34 687 79 58 36. And to keep it from happening again, see our maintenance services or request a quote.
