Transport Malta lays stress on safety at sea

Transport Malta has added a new rigid-hulled inflatable boat to its fleet of craft used to ensure people's safety at sea and patrol the shoreline during the summer months.

The craft will join another RHIB purchased last year and another two small dinghies, all manned by TM enforcement officers.

Stanley Portelli, the transport regulator's CEO, said: "Besides enhancing law enforcement resources, the acquisition of another RHIB demonstrates TM's determination to make our sea safer and signals our intent not to tolerate abuses at sea."

Other measures taken this summer by TM to further ensure safety include the introduction of TM personnel as bay coordinators at Comino's Blue Lagoon and Mellieħa Bay during weekends and public holidays. Their role is to liaise with boat owners, swimmers and commercial operators in the busy bays to enable the safe mooring of boats.

Three new swimmers' zones, two at the Ta' Xbiex creek and another one at Marsamxett, close to the waterpolo pitch, have been established, taking the total number to 40. Swimmers' zones are designated areas where sea craft are not allowed to enter during the summer months. They are marked with bright yellow and red buoys.