Spearfisher filmed driving into fisheries official while escaping authorities

A man has been filmed driving his car into a fisheries department official while escaping from a Birżebbuġa bay after he and another man were caught allegedly illegally spearfishing.

Footage captured by the Malta Ranger Unit (MRU) shows a white car being driven into the official as he stands in front of the vehicle to prevent it from leaving the scene, knocking the officer to one side as it passes.

The incident took place shortly before midnight after the driver and another man were apprehended by fisheries officials as they were leaving the water, after allegedly carrying out illegal spearfishing in the area.

Spearfishing at night is illegal in Malta.

The MRU said rangers had spotted the men spearfishing in Wied Xaqqa, a secluded bay east of Bengħisa, during a night patrol, before alerting the fisheries department, which sent officers to the scene.

While the men denied they had been spearfishing, instead claiming they had only been engaged in “research” activities, the rangers said, footage captured earlier that night by the unit showed the men with spearguns, and spearfishing equipment was discovered hidden behind some rocks nearby.

Fisheries officials located and confiscated the spearfishing gun, leading the men to start arguing loudly with the officers before one of the men grabbed the gun out of the officer’s hands. The pair fled the scene in the car as the officials called for police assistance.

You can never tell who will exhibit this kind of behaviour.- Malta Ranger Unit

The rangers accompanied the fisheries personnel to the Birżebbuġa police station, where they lodged a report, the rangers said, adding that instead of a fine and confiscation of gear, the suspect will now face charges in court.

The accused is set to face charges of obstruction of justice and hitting a public official, who luckily escaped without injury. The police force said it was investigating the incident.

'Officers deserve protection'

Speaking to Times of Malta, a spokesperson for the rangers said the unit had been lucky to see the men entering the water with the spearfishing gun, noting the area was a “hidden spot” and hard to access, with bird poaching known to take place in the area.

Stressing that a spearfishing gun was liable to cause serious injury if shot at a person, the rangers warned against confronting any armed suspect.

“This incident highlights how you can never tell who will exhibit this kind of behaviour; you can never anticipate the emotions of people carrying out a crime,” the spokesperson said.

“That’s why we have bodycams and thermal cameras, but authorities are not equipped with these,” she said, while calling for environmental protection officers to be equipped with them.

A spearfishing gun, apparently shown in the left image, was discovered at the scene before the two men attempted to leave the area in a white vehicle (R). Screenshots: MRU.

“They [enforcement officers] put themselves in harm’s way; they deserve protection and to go back to their families safely at night. Bodycams and night vision are the minimum.”

The rangers thanked the fisheries for their assistance while urging policymakers to increase the number of enforcement officers active in remote areas.

The MRU has previously assisted law enforcement officers in identifying illegal spearfishing activities; in September, a man was detained by armed forces after being caught spearfishing with scuba gear close to the Blue Grotto near Żurrieq.

In 2024, the rangers assisted law enforcement officials attending two instances of illegal spearfishing in l-Aħrax, Mellieħa, in one case involving a group of 25 suspects.

While, when carried out legally, spearfishing is among the most sustainable fishing methods due to resulting in no bycatch, it is strictly controlled across all EU states.

Spearfishing at night is illegal in all member states, as is spearfishing using scuba equipment.

Fisheries Department condemns aggression

The Fisheries Department said it condemned any aggression toward enforcement officers and it was treating the incident with 'full seriousness.'

The officer reported the case to the Police immediately, and investigations are underway.

The officer was medically assessed and required no medical leave. He is receiving support.

The department said it is also reviewing the internal reporting of the event.

"Illegal spearfishing remains an issue in certain accessible and sensitive coastal areas, including Wied Xaqqa. These sites receive targeted monitoring based on risk and reports. Enforcement is carried out in coordination with the Police, Malta Ranger Unit, AFM, and other authorities, with action taken under Chapter 425 when infringements occur," the department said. 

It said it was continuing to strengthen enforcement through upgraded patrol capabilities, improved equipment, and enhanced inter‑agency cooperation as part of a zero‑tolerance approach to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The public was urged to report suspected illegal activity to help protect Malta’s marine environment.