The Malta Sea Rangers Unit has said that within just one hour, its Rangers documented “no less than 8 vessels illegally entering the Gozo Conservation Zone [1] at Xatt l-Ahmar, also at high speed.”
“One skipper even decided that it was a good idea to cross the Zone, with divers below him, steering his vessel at high speed, with his foot,” the MSRU said.
The Unit stressed that not only is it a danger to the divers that were on site, but also for marine life.
The Malta Sea Rangers Unit stated that all 8 vessels will be reported to Transport Malta for legal action to be taken.
It noted that “speeding closer than 200m to shore, results in a fine of €600 and entering a restricted area has a €300 fine stipulated in the law*”
The Malta Sea Rangers Unit urged the Government to increase enforcement at sea. “It’s clear that it’s severely lacking, especially during late afternoons and evenings/nights.”
“Let us not wait for the disaster to strike again – Let’s act now,” the said the MSRU.
* Small Ships Regulations https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/499.52 [2]
Photos: Malta Sea Ranger Unit