Torrevieja Increases Funding for Historic Ship “Pascual Flores” After Engine Failure
City Council Approves Additional €50,000 to Safeguard Tourist Landmark and Maritime Heritage
Torrevieja, alicante – october 21, 2025
The City Council of Torrevieja has approved a substantial increase in its annual funding for the historic sailing ship “Pascual Flores” following a serious engine failure earlier this year. the decision ensures the continuity of this flagship heritage and tourism project, which plays a major role in both promoting the city and preserving its maritime identity.
Engine Failure Triggers Emergency funding
The “Pascual Flores” – a replica of an early 20th-century coastal cargo ship (“pailebote”)- suffered an engine breakdown during the 2024 sailing season. According to city officials and the managing Fundación Nao Victoria, the engine had undergone 11 years of inactivity before its 2021 reactivation, contributing to internal damage that ultimately led to the recent malfunction. The vessel had operated without major issues since 2021 thanks to preventive maintenance, but the latest incident highlighted the ongoing challenges of preserving such a historic ship.
to cover urgent repairs and safeguard the ship’s operational future, the Council approved an additional €50,000, raising the annual subsidy for 2025 to €225,000. This amount supplements the previously established yearly support of €175,000 under the city’s agreement with Fundación Nao Victoria – specialists in restoring and managing historic vessels.
Strategic Role for Tourism and Heritage
Since its relaunch, the “Pascual Flores” has covered close to 26,000 nautical miles (approximately 49,000 kilometers), visiting numerous maritime events and fairs across Europe and the world. The ship acts as a moving ambassador for Torrevieja, promoting the city internationally while servicing as a tourist attraction in its home port. Visitors can take guided tours of the ship and book sailing excursions along the coastline.
The agreement with fundación Nao Victoria, recently extended until 2028, specifically requires the foundation to use the vessel to both preserve local heritage and generate tourism revenue for the city.
The current ”Pascual Flores” is a meticulously built replica, valued at more than €3.5 million. The original cargo schooner, purchased by Torrevieja from the UK in 1999, could not be restored and was ultimately dismantled; building the replica in Águilas (Murcia) allowed the city to safeguard a vital piece of its nautical past.
Technical and Financial Challenges
City and foundation representatives emphasize that bringing a historic ship back to daily operation presents significant technical risks and costs. As seen in the recent engine failure, prolonged periods without operation (“trabajar sin carga” - working without load) can accelerate mechanical deterioration. The latest emergency allocation is intended to address immediate repairs and reinforce the ongoing maintenance program, ensuring the “Pascual Flores” remains in top condition for future events and voyages.
According to Fundación Nao Victoria, preventive measures between 2021 and 2023 enabled smooth operation, but the hiatus before that period was decisive in the engine’s eventual breakdown. With the new funding, city leaders say, thay are committed to keeping the ship sailing and to maintaining Torrevieja’s reputation as a center for maritime heritage.
From Past to Present: A Community Symbol
Today, the “Pascual Flores” stands as both a reminder of Torrevieja’s seafaring history and a living resource for culture and tourism. The recent financial boost-prompted by urgent technical needs-underscores the city’s resolve to preserve a unique symbol of local pride and international outreach.
“With the council’s additional funding, the Pascual Flores will continue to sail, promoting Torrevieja globally while preserving a vital piece of its maritime history.”
– City Council statement, October 2025
Sources
- The Leader: https://theleader.info/2025/10/22/torrevieja-increases-funding-to-e225000-after-pascual-flores-engine-fails/
- Información: https://www.informacion.es/vega-baja/2025/10/21/torrevieja-refuerza-presupuesto-mantenimiento-pascual-flores-95000-euros-94329227.html
- Diario de Torrevieja: https://diariodetorrevieja.es/2025/10/21/ayuntamiento-incrementa-ayuda-pascual-flores-urgencias-motor/