PP demands immediate removal of Gran Tarajal fishing vessel and accuses the State of using the municipality as the Canary Islands’ “dumping ground”

The People’s Party (PP) in Tuineje has demanded the immediate removal of the fishing vessel Aali, which has been moored at Gran Tarajal’s commercial quay since 24 July, and expressed concern about delays to an operation that was expected to have been carried out days ago.

The party said it was particularly serious that, while the vessel remains in port, water has had to be pumped out and a pre-alert for marine pollution has been declared. In its view, this confirms that the problem is no longer a possibility but a real risk to the coastline and port activity.

Esther Hernández, the PP spokesperson on Tuineje Town Council, said she regretted that a situation which should have been resolved quickly had instead caused growing concern among residents.

“The vessel was due to be removed, yet it is still in our port. If water has also had to be pumped out and a pre-alert for marine pollution has been declared, it is clear that this is no minor matter. Gran Tarajal cannot continue to face risks because the State has failed to respond.”

The PP recalled that the municipality suffered one of the biggest environmental disasters in its history in 2018, when barges sank in Gran Tarajal port. The party said it was therefore essential to act with the utmost diligence to prevent a similar situation from happening again.

The party said the vessel’s continued presence at the commercial quay poses a risk that should not be allowed to persist and reflects poor management by the competent authorities.

“We have already suffered the consequences of a lack of foresight that left a deep scar on our coastline. We will not wait for irreparable damage to occur before taking action. The State must remove this vessel immediately and take responsibility.”

The PP is also calling on the Government of Spain to stop transferring problems to Gran Tarajal that leave the municipality facing uncertainty and concern.

“Tuineje’s residents deserve the same respect as those of any other municipality in the Canary Islands. Our port cannot become a place where problems pile up when their solution depends on other authorities,” the party said.

Despite her criticism, Esther Hernández sought to make an appeal for institutional unity in defending the municipality’s interests.

“When it comes to defending Gran Tarajal, there should be no party politics. I am offering the Town Council my hand so that we can present a united front and jointly demand that the State remove this vessel as soon as possible. Protecting our port, our coastline and our residents must come before any political differences.”

The PP said the situation requires an immediate, coordinated response from all the authorities involved, in order to ensure the port’s safety, protect the marine environment and prevent Gran Tarajal from being exposed again to an incident with environmental and economic consequences for the municipality.