During intensified surveillance, maritime police officers from Split recorded a series of violations, from illegal anchoring to driving without a license, with a particularly notable incident near Vrboska.
The maritime police in Split conducted intensified navigation safety surveillance over the past week, resulting in 67 sanctioned violations at sea. The most common violation, with as many as 24 fines, was unauthorized speeding (glisiranje), as confirmed by the police on Monday.
In addition to speeding, officers also recorded nine cases of anchoring in prohibited areas and two violations of tying vessels to vegetation. Four individuals were fined for overloading their vessels, which can seriously compromise the stability of the boat and the safety of passengers.
There were also issues with documentation. In eight cases, individuals were fined for not carrying their insurance policy, while four boat operators did not possess a certificate for boat operators. In three cases, vessels were operated by individuals without the necessary license, and in two separate actions, those who gave or rented vessels to individuals without the appropriate license were also sanctioned.
The most dramatic event occurred on Saturday at 11:40 PM in the waters of Vrboska on Hvar. Police radar first spotted a vessel moving at high speed without its navigation lights on. After stopping, the 20-year-old driver was taken to the police station where he was breathalyzed and found to have a blood alcohol concentration of 1.41 g/kg. Preliminary testing also confirmed the presence of marijuana in his system, and during a search, cocaine was also seized.
"It was established that there is reasonable suspicion that the 20-year-old committed two violations under the Maritime Code and one violation under the Law on Suppression of Drug Abuse. He was issued a precautionary measure prohibiting him from operating a vessel for seven days and was detained at the police station until the effects of the intoxicating substance wore off," the Split police reported.
While HRT Vijesti and Tportal published detailed information about the young man's age, measured blood alcohol concentration, and the drugs found, the portal Stijena.info, citing the police, later reported that the police did not release additional details about the case. According to the official police statement, the 20-year-old was detained until sober and is subject to a week-long ban on operating a vessel.
