Watch: Boat narrowly misses swimmer in Comino
Malta Ranger Unit says distracted skippers and poor seamanship are putting lives at risk
Video footage of a swimmer coming within inches of being hit by a tourist boat in Comino after its skipper was allegedly distracted has prompted the Malta Ranger Unit to renew its warning about “irresponsible navigation” at sea.
Footage shared by the Malta Ranger Unit shows a tourist boat emerging from a cave in Comino and narrowly missing a swimmer, who is forced to swim frantically out of its path.
“We are seeing skippers deeply engaged in messaging on their mobiles whilst driving at full speed, not looking up once,” the MRU said.
“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 to hit the swimmer.”
The rangers called for the authorities to educate masters of the vessels and for more enforcement to instil good practice at sea.
The rangers also raised concerns over high alcohol consumption at sea, “technically drink and drive”, pointing out it was being treated “as if it’s not an issue”.
This is not the first time this summer that the Malta Ranger Unit sounded the alarm over dangers at sea.
Last week they called for more enforcement in marine conservation areas over fears that divers could get hit by boats.