Residents of Sutomišćica on the island of Ugljan have issued a public appeal to relevant authorities regarding a derelict vessel that has been lying submerged at the quay in the centre of the town for days, just twenty metres from the swimming area, eZadar reports.
In a letter, they warn that stains have been spotted around the wreckage, which they suspect are oil-related, while pieces of equipment, planks and other materials are floating out of the boat and spreading along the coast with the sea currents.
The protective boom placed around the vessel, intended to prevent the spread of pollution, has given way under the influence of wind and waves, and, according to residents, no longer serves its purpose. The nearby beach is visited daily by families with children, as well as domestic and foreign tourists.
The quay where the ship sank is managed by the County Port Authority, and the wreckage lies opposite the entrance to Olive Island Marina. Residents assess that this situation in the midst of the tourist season poses a health risk to swimmers and damages the reputation of Sutomišćica and the entire island.
From the Port Authority, inspectorates, municipal police and bodies responsible for environmental and marine protection, they demand the removal of the wreckage, remediation of the pollution and the installation of functional protection until the problem is permanently resolved. They stress that there has been no visible response from the authorities so far.
