Footage shows swimmer just avoiding being hit by boat off Comino
Rangers call for awareness campaign for boat masters
A swimmer was lucky to escape being hit by a tourist boat in what has become an altogether frequent occurrence, the Malta Rangers Unit said on Monday.
It issued a video showing the incident and said it had long been urging the authorities to ensure that boats are driven responsibly.
The video was taken off Comino and shows a launch just missing a swimmer in an area close to the caves but apparently not within a swimming zone.
"We have highlighted speeding vessels and vessels within restricted protected areas. Just as common are the cases of irresponsible navigation. We are seeing skippers deeply engaged in messaging on their mobiles whilst driving at full speed, not looking up once," the unit said on its Facebook page.
"Or like in this case in Comino, exiting caves with tourists and being engaged in conversation about what the tourists can photograph, and just about avoiding hitting the swimmer."
"Irresponsible driving isn't just an issue for human safety, it's also a safety concern for marine life. Whilst there is ongoing awareness about safety at sea from the perspective of the individual (swimmer, diver etc), we are urging the authorities to educate the masters of the vessels. The ones who are breaking laws and putting others in danger. We need more enforcement at sea to instil good practices. What are we waiting for? Someone to die?" the unit asked.