Spanish maritime authorities have confirmed the rescue of the sailor aboard the yacht Admirante, who has been found alive and in good health after spending twelve days missing at sea. The vessel was located in Algerian search and rescue waters by a Frontex surveillance aircraft, ending an extensive international operation.

The sixty-nine-year-old man had left the port of Gandia on 15 January, sailing alone towards Guardamar del Segura. With limited navigation experience, he later lost engine power and was unable to maintain contact after his mobile phone battery ran out, leaving him completely isolated.

A major search was launched by Salvamento Marítimo and the Guardia Civil, using ships and aircraft to cover large areas of the Alicante coastline, later extending towards Murcia. Despite days of intensive efforts and radio alerts to other vessels, the yacht remained unaccounted for.

Following its discovery, the sailor was rescued by the merchant vessel Thor Confidence. According to Spain’s Directorate General of the Merchant Marine, he is expected to disembark at the port of Algeciras on Thursday, with the operation coordinated alongside naval and international partners.