A tense search continues for 66-year-old Spanish businessman Juan José Mutilba, who fell from his catamaran Theorema into the Ionian Sea on August 18, 2026, and remains missing. The incident occurred while he was sailing between Italy and Greece — a route he frequently traveled as an avid sailor and longtime traveler.
A Family in Agony
For over a week, his son Sergio Mutilba has lived in anguish and uncertainty, struggling to accept that his father is still unaccounted for in the open waters of the Ionian. Sergio, now back in Spain after spending several days in Pylos — the Messinian port where his parents were due to dock following a voyage from Sicily — described the emotional toll on his family in an interview with El País.
Juan José’s partner and Sergio’s mother, Carmen Díez, reported the disappearance to authorities three days after the incident. By then, the catamaran had been drifting uncontrolled, and all communication had ceased. Despite her efforts, she was unable to locate him. Her isolation at sea — alone for three days without contact — has deeply unsettled the family. ‘What did she do? What was she thinking?’ Sergio asked, voicing concerns about those harrowing hours.
New Vessel, Unfamiliar Controls
A key detail under scrutiny is the fact that the catamaran was newly acquired — larger and more difficult to handle than previous vessels the couple had sailed. Carmen, reportedly unfamiliar with its systems, may have struggled to stop or stabilize it in time to mount a rescue. Sergio suggested this factor may have played a critical role in the tragedy.
The family has appealed for intensified search operations, acknowledging the extreme challenges posed by the vast, deep waters and unpredictable weather of the Ionian. Still, they insist no effort should be spared — and hope must not be abandoned.
Aftermath and Support
Carmen remains in shock and under immense psychological strain. After prolonged persuasion, she returned to Madrid — where she is staying with her sister — rather than returning to their home in Burgos, a move neither she nor the family feels ready to make. She has also visited hospital emergency departments for treatment, following recommendations from a psychologist who had been supporting her during her time in Greece.
Information reaching the family comes primarily through Spain’s maritime rescue service, Salvamento Marítimo, contacted by Sergio’s aunt. The agency acts as a liaison, relaying updates from Italian and Greek authorities, who are jointly coordinating the search operation.