Gazmend Tahiri, chief of Marine General Department in Durrës admits there is no border between swimming and water sports areas all along the Albanian coast and this maintains a high level of risk of accidents like that in Himara. He says that even when business subject have permission for water signals, poor quality makes them non resistant to water conditions.
Regarding the incident in Himara, Tahiri says the Russian tourist was swimming way out of the public beach area, where there are no orienting signals. “He was swimming near the rocks and in that area there are no separating lines”, Tahiri said.
Another problem, Tahiri added, is lack of cooperation from the local authorities who do not update Maritime Department about renewed licenses it gives local businesses. This year water vehicles traffic has increased. About 500 new permits have been released and a total of 1600 are in circulation.
Tahiri insists to avoid incidents like that in Himara, measures must be taken not only to inform citizens but also to punish those who violate the law. “Tightening of measures would help avoiding incidents”, Tahiri said.
Top Channel
