In the inlet of Getares, west of Algeciras, are the ruins of an old whaling factory. A factory founded by Norwegians at the beginning of the 20th century to take advantage of the passage of cetaceans through the Strait of Gibraltar.
En la ensenada de Getares, al Oeste de Algeciras se encuentran las ruinas de una antigua factoría ballenera. Una fábrica fundada por noruegos a principios del siglo XX aprovechando el paso de los cetáceos por el Estrecho de Gibraltar.
It was the only company dedicated to hunting and processing of this type in southern Spain. At a time when the oil and meat of these animals were very valuable.
Era la única empresa que se dedicaba a la caza y tratamiento de este tipo en el Sur de España. Una época donde el aceite y la carne de estos animales eran muy valiosos.
Nowadays it would seem crazy to hunt whales and sperm whales to use their oil as fuel. Many of these species are in danger of extinction, but there was a time when life was more difficult.
Actualmente parecería una locura la caza de ballenas y cachalotes para aprovechar su aceite como combustible. Muchas de estas especies en peligro de extinción, pero hubo una época donde la vida era más difícil.
We used to take his life with a harpoon...
...Now we take it away with plastic.
Some buildings are still standing from that time. There is a small hut with the skeletal remains of whales where you can sit and have a drink. It is not clear to me whether it is a business or a private one.
De esa época quedan algún edificio en pie. Hay un pequeño cañizo con restos óseos de ballenas donde sentarse y tomar un refresco. Tampoco lo tengo claro si es un negocio o es particular.
The place is frequented by anglers and spear fishermen in their wetsuits. Some arrive in kayaks or paddle-surfs from the beach. The remains of the old whaling station are surrounded by overgrown cliffs where wartime forts are hidden.
El lugar es frecuentado por pescadores de caña y de arpón con sus neoprenos. Algunos llegan en Kayaks o pádel-surf desde la playa. Los restos de la antigua ballenera están rodeados de acantilados cubiertos de vegetación donde se esconden fortines de la guerra.
There are people in favour of protecting the remains of the factory and others in favour of removing them and leaving the area free of debris. Leaving the whole coastline clean.
Hay personas a favor de proteger los restos de la factoría y otros de eliminarlos y dejar la zona libre de escombros. Dejando limpia todo el litoral.
Walking around the area is dangerous because of the state it is in, but there is something appealing about it. Its riveted metal beams, its history and the families that have grown up here.
Pasear por la zona es peligrosa por el estado en que se encuentra, pero tiene algo que atrae. Sus vigas metálicas remachadas, su historia y familias que han crecido gracias a este lugar.
Fortunately a lucrative business has sprung up with the arrival of tourism. Many seek to spot and observe the families of orcas and whales that cruise these seas. A less damaging way to profit from the proximity of these animals.
Por suerte ha surgido una lucrativa empresa con la llegada del turismo. Son muchos los que buscan divisar y observar las familias de Orcas y ballenas que cruzan estos mares. Una forma menos dañina de obtener beneficios de la cercanía de estos animales.
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This factory on the sea looks extremely cool and relaxing
It is a very quiet place. Thank you and best regards @noemilunastorta.
son unas fotos excelentes
Muchas gracias. Un saludo @jsvasquez1986.
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