Speedboat driver fined for speeding near St Julian's swim zones, rangers say
A video captured the speed boat travelling at speed in the St Julian’s and Balluta area
A speedboat driver was fined after he was caught on camera speeding close to swimming zones in St Julian’s, the Malta Rangers Unit (MRU) said.
The video, shared by the e-NGO, shows the speedboat travelling at speed from several angles in the St Julian’s and Balluta area.
“The bay is lined with several very popular swimming zones, as well as a conservation area just outside it. Inside the bay, a large number of vessels are moored,” it said.
“This did not stop a speedboat owner from trying out his vessel at full speed and navigating dangerously among people and vessels.”
Marine regulations state that, within 200 metres of a rocky shore, vessels must be limited to 10 knots, or 18km/h. In mooring areas, the speed limit is three knots, or 5km/h.
After reporting the incident to Transport Malta, the MRU said the authority’s maritime enforcement unit stopped the boat and issued a fine. The MRU said it had asked Transport Malta how much the boat operator was fined.
“Endangering the lives of people in the area is not acceptable. We once again wish to highlight the lack of enforcement at sea. Let us not wait for someone to die.”
Questions have been sent to Transport Malta.