Split Police Issue 67 Citations for Maritime Violations in One Week
Most fines were issued for illegal speeding, with a notable case of a 20-year-old caught sailing under the influence of alcohol and drugs in the waters near Vrboska on Hvar.
Most fines were issued for illegal speeding, with a notable case of a 20-year-old caught sailing under the influence of alcohol and drugs in the waters near Vrboska on Hvar.
Over the past week, the Split maritime police, during an intensified navigation safety campaign, recorded and sanctioned a total of 67 maritime violations. As many as 24 individuals were fined for illegal speeding, making it the most common violation during this period, confirmed by the police on Monday.
In addition to speeding, police officers also recorded nine cases of anchoring in prohibited areas and two violations for mooring vessels to vegetation. Four individuals were sanctioned for overloading their vessels, which can seriously compromise the stability of the boat and the safety of passengers.
There were also issues with required documentation. In eight cases, individuals were fined for not having an insurance policy on hand, while four boat operators lacked the necessary certificate for operating a vessel. In three cases, vessels were operated by individuals without the required license, and in two separate actions, those who provided or rented vessels to unlicensed individuals were also sanctioned.
The most dramatic incident occurred on Saturday at 11:40 PM in the waters near Vrboska on Hvar. Police radar first spotted a vessel moving at high speed without its navigation lights on. After being stopped, the 20-year-old operator was taken to the police station where a breathalyzer test measured his blood alcohol concentration at 1.41 g/kg. Preliminary testing also confirmed the presence of marijuana in his system, and a search led to the seizure of cocaine.
"It was established that there is reasonable suspicion that the 20-year-old committed two violations under the Maritime Code and one under the Law on Combating Drug Abuse. He was issued a precautionary measure banning him from operating a vessel for seven days and was held at the police station until the effects of the intoxicating substance wore off," the Split police reported.
While HRT Vijesti and Tportal reported 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 had not released 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.
