EMERGENCY NUMBERS · SPAIN · CHECKED 10 OCTOBER 2026

Spain: who to call at sea

Last verified:

SHORT ANSWER

In Spain, call 112 or 900 202 202 and say you need sea rescue (the coastguard). On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Rescue centres for Spain

SPANISH + ENGLISH
MRCC Finisterre · Finisterre Salvamento
Source: salvamentomaritimo.es · authority: use the emergency line
 112 Ask for Salvamento Marítimo In-country short number 900 202 202
MRCC Gijón · Gijón Salvamento
Source: salvamentomaritimo.es · authority: use the emergency line
 112 Ask for Salvamento Marítimo In-country short number 900 202 202
MRCC Bilbao · Bilbao Salvamento
Source: salvamentomaritimo.es · authority: use the emergency line
 112 Ask for Salvamento Marítimo In-country short number 900 202 202
MRCC Tarifa · Tarifa Tráfico
Source: salvamentomaritimo.es · authority: use the emergency line
 112 Ask for Salvamento Marítimo In-country short number 900 202 202
MRCC Almería · Almería Salvamento
Source: salvamentomaritimo.es · authority: use the emergency line
 112 Ask for Salvamento Marítimo In-country short number 900 202 202
MRCC Cartagena · Cartagena Salvamento
Source: salvamentomaritimo.es · authority: use the emergency line
 112 Ask for Salvamento Marítimo In-country short number 900 202 202
MRCC Valencia · Valencia Salvamento
Source: salvamentomaritimo.es · authority: use the emergency line
 112 Ask for Salvamento Marítimo In-country short number 900 202 202
MRCC Barcelona · Barcelona Salvamento
Source: salvamentomaritimo.es · authority: use the emergency line
 112 Ask for Salvamento Marítimo In-country short number 900 202 202
MRCC Palma · Palma Salvamento
Source: salvamentomaritimo.es · authority: use the emergency line
 112 Ask for Salvamento Marítimo In-country short number 900 202 202
MRCC Las Palmas · Las Palmas Salvamento
Source: salvamentomaritimo.es · authority: use the emergency line
 112 Ask for Salvamento Marítimo In-country short number 900 202 202
MRCC Tenerife · Tenerife Salvamento
Source: salvamentomaritimo.es · authority: use the emergency line
 112 Ask for Salvamento Marítimo In-country short number 900 202 202

What to say when they answer

Who you are, where you are (latitude and longitude), what happened, how many people are aboard, and what your boat looks like. The step-by-step guide has the exact words — by phone and on VHF.

How to make a MAYDAY call →

Engine trouble, nobody in danger?

That is a job for marine assistance, not sea rescue — keep the rescue line free for lives.

Mayday or a tow? →

Frequently asked

What number do I call for help at sea in Spain?+

Call 112 or 900 202 202. With a VHF radio, send MAYDAY on channel 16 or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Does 112 work at sea in Spain?+

112 works wherever your phone has signal. In Spain it is also what the authorities tell you to call in a sea emergency: say you need sea rescue (the coastguard).

Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+

The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.

Neighbouring waters

FrancePortugalGibraltar

All European maritime emergency numbers →

Numbers change. If this one has, tell us: support@vesselsos.com

The right number, picked by your position.
VesselSOS shows the responsible rescue centre and dials it — with your coordinates and a word-for-word call script on screen.
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