Maritime safety: Border Police seize 40 vessels from Ksamil to Velipojë
Over the past week, the Border Police, in cooperation with the Maritime Police Unit, have intensified their efforts to ensure maritime safety through Operation “Sea Safety”. Extensive controls have been conducted along the entire coastline, including lakes and river areas.
Why is this relevant
After long years of neglecting to police the use of vessels in tourist areas, and a number of high-profile accidents, over the past several years the Police has made significant progress in ensuring safety for tourists and beachgoers.
Context
Authorities have seized a total of 40 vessels, comprising jet skis, speedboats, and inflatable boats. The breakdown of the seizures is as follows:
- 26 vessels seized from Ksamil to Vlorë
- 10 vessels seized from Durrës to Shëngjin
- 4 vessels seized in Velipojë
Of the seized vessels, 13 were caught navigating within safety perimeters, posing significant risks to beachgoers. The operators of these vessels have each been fined 100,000 lekë or approximately 1000 euros.
In addition to the seizures, 27 other vessel operators were fined for lacking proper documentation.
Throughout the week, the Maritime Police Unit and Border Police have also provided assistance to tourists and visitors in 12 different incidents within the maritime space from Ksamil to Velipojë.
While releasing the data the Border Police urged all vessel operators to strictly adhere to maritime regulations, ensure they are equipped with safety gear, and respect designated navigation zones to ensure the safety and tranquility of all beachgoers.
Additionally, they encouraged tourists to report any violations of the maritime safety perimeter or safety measures during their travels in coastal, lake, and river areas, assuring immediate response to such reports.
Go deeper
Editorial note: The opposition’s protest that wasn’t
Published on December 23, 2024
Parliament Leaders’ Conference rejects opposition’s request on Inquiry into Durrës Port Project
Published on December 23, 2024
Why is this important: The opposition’s requested inquiry would have lasted six months, overlapping with the critical pre-election period. During election seasons, Parliament’s activities, including those of inquiry committees, are limited, making the establishment of such a committee practically unfeasible. The Democratic Party has a history of opposing projects proposed and implemented by their Socialist rivals for political gain. When in power, the Berisha government halted several projects initiated by the Municipality of Tirana, then led by Edi Rama, even demolishing some under construction on questionable grounds without awaiting court rulings. In opposition, the Democrats have continued this pattern, at times organizing protests—some of which turned violent—against projects that later proved to be highly popular and contributed significantly to the Socialists’ electoral successes.
SPAK reclassifies charges against former Minister Ilir Beqaj in sterilization concession case
Published on December 23, 2024
Why is this important: The decision marks a significant escalation in the case, as the charges now carry more severe penalties. Until now, Beqaj was accused solely of abuse of office, while his deputy faced charges of fraud, document forgery, and abuse of office. Businessman Ilir Rrapaj had been charged with fraud. The judge handling this case, previously gained attention when she accepted a request to lift house arrest for opposition leader Sali Berisha, whose own corruption case is set to begin soon. Berisha has credited his party for the new direction in the sterilization case, suggesting it influenced SPAK’s decision to strengthen the charges against the former Socialist minister.