Bathers were able to swim right in the shadow of a barge that appeared to be carrying fireworks in Rinella Bay this afternoon, and nobody was doing anything about it.

The barge was moored some metres from the swimming zone and carried three red warning flags. A large number of firework firing canisters could be seen on deck. Some were covered in foil and had firing wires coming out of them.

A notice on the quay said the fireworks would be let off on August 10 and people were warned to keep away.

A security officer on the barge stopped people approaching from the quay, but no one was stopping bathers and boats approaching from the sea.

At one time policemen turned up and appeared to note the security man's details, but then left.

Valletta Port Control when contacted said boats had to keep a distance of 200 metres away from the barge - the usual safe distance when fireworks are carried.