Albanian Police Intensify Coastal Patrols for Marine Safety
The Border Police in cooperation with the Maritime Police Unit has intensified controls along the entire coastline and lake and river areas in Albania, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.
According to a Police announcement, the checks are being carried out as part of the "MARINE SAFETY" operation, with the aim of increasing safety for vacationers and users of watercraft.
"During the last week, 254 vessels were checked, of which 36 were blocked for various violations, including violations of the maritime security perimeter, carrying out activities outside approved areas, lack of relevant documentation. The blocked vessels include 24 Jet Skis, five speedboats, four dinghies, three metal boats with installed water motors. Also, 13 vessels were found sailing within prohibited areas and endangering the lives of vacationers. The drivers of these vessels were fined 100,000 lek each for violating safety rules. Meanwhile, as part of the operation, the Border Police has intervened in 10 cases, from Ksamil to Velipojë, rescuing 18 Albanian and foreign citizens, who were in danger due to strong waves or technical defects in the vessels," the announcement states.
The Border Police calls for strict compliance with the rules for the use of vessels, not violating the maritime security perimeter, moving only in permitted areas and using rescue equipment.
The State Police invites citizens to report any violations to the toll-free number 112, guaranteeing immediate response and punitive measures against violators of the rules.
