Residents of Sutomišćica, on the island of Ugljan, have addressed public appeals to the relevant authorities regarding a derelict vessel that has been lying submerged at the dock for days, just 20 metres from the beach, eZadar reports.
In a letter, they warn that oil slicks have been spotted around the wreck, while debris is drifting from the hull. A protective barrier, which was intended to prevent the spread of pollution, has given way under the influence of wind and waves, the residents say. The beach, where families with children and domestic and foreign tourists visit daily, is in immediate proximity.
The port authority, which manages the dock where the vessel sank, is located opposite the entrance to the Olive Island marina. The residents consider that the current situation, in the middle of the tourist season, poses a danger to the health of swimmers, as well as to the reputation of Sutomišćica and the entire island.
They are calling on the relevant institutions – the port authority, inspectorates, municipal police, and bodies responsible for the protection of the sea and environment – to remove the wreck, remediate the pollution, and install a functional barrier until the problem is permanently resolved. They stress that there has been no visible response from the authorities thus far.
