ZAGREB, Jan 22 (Hina) - Croatia's foreign ministry on Wednesday issued a verbal note to the Italian Embassy in Zagreb in which it warned that illegal fishing in Croatian territorial waters was impermissible, the ministry reported
tonight.
ZAGREB, Jan 22 (Hina) - Croatia's foreign ministry on Wednesday
issued a verbal note to the Italian Embassy in Zagreb in which it
warned that illegal fishing in Croatian territorial waters was
impermissible, the ministry reported tonight. #L#
Pursuant to the collection of relevant information about the latest
incident when a Croatian maritime police patrol warned an Italian
boat that it had entered Croatian waters to fish illegally, the
ministry asked of Italian competent bodies to inform vessel
captains that such fishing represents a violation of Croatia's
state territory and sovereignty.
According to information available to the Croatian ministry,
Croatian police on Monday morning noticed an Italian boat fishing
illegally in Croatia's waters, the ministry said in a press
release.
The boat's crew were ordered to stop the vessel with light and audio
signals, as well as via a speakerphone in the Italian language.
Since the boat did not stop, police began a chase and fired five
flares to stop the vessel. Even then, the boat did not stop. Police
then fired gun shots, firstly in the air and then above the boat.
Even this failed to stop the Italian fishermen. They continued
sailing towards the sea border with Italy, after which the police
chase was called off.
The sea border between the two countries is regulated by an
agreement and therefore Italian fishermen should know about this
when crossing the state border, the ministry said.
(hina) lml