Aguilas (ESAGU)

The port is currently closed for commercial operations. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. The port of Aguilas can accomodate seven to eight vessels at the same time and is principally used for the handling of grain and other bulk cargoes, also a large fishing fleet use the port. Hornillo is used for the handling of bulk minerals.

Summer.

Aguilas lies in a bay which indents the shore between Punta Negra and Punta de la Aguilica, 50km SW of Cartagena. Hornilla lies in a bay, 0.5nm E of Puerto de Aguilas.

LOA 160m and draught approx 8.4m.

The only recognised anchorage is in Puerto de El Hornillo, in a depth of approx 20.0m. Extreme care must be taken when anchoring in Hornillo owing to the existence of a fish farm within the port.

There is a depth of 14.9m in the entrance to Puerto de Aguilas, with depths of 8.5-12.0m alongside Dique Abrigo. In Puerto de El Hornillo the commercial quay has depths of 8.5-14.0m alongside. Caution: A marine farm, marked by lightbuoys lies in the middle of El Hornillo in the approaches to the loading quay.

BA 774, 1588. Admiralty Pilot NP45.

1025.

Compulsory for both ports. The pilot vessel is a small white motor boat with the letter "P" on both sides. The pilot boards between 1-1.5nm from the Puerto de Aguilas harbour entrance.

Punta Negra Lighthouse, 1nm E of the castle. Isla Aguilica Light (white square structure), exhibited from the summit of the islet, 0.55nm E of Punta Negra Light. Light (grey metal post, 5.0m in height), standing on the head of Dique de Abrigo, 0.2nm ENE of Punta Negra Light.

Puerto de El Hornillo cannot be entered at night.

If tugs are required the services of a local fisherman can be hired, otherwise larger tugs can be arranged from Garrucha.

Prevailing winds: Variable.

VHF: Ch 16.

Puerto de El Hornillo cannot be entered at night.