Maltese intercepted in Syracuse after dodging police for miles with boat

A 51 year-old Maltese boater has been arrested by the Italian police after allegedly having steered his boat at 35 knots through a natural reserve, and failed to halt the boat when a patrol boat gave chase. It took a military plane to intervene and stop the boat, miles away from when it was initially intercepted.

22 July 2010, 12:00am
by Karl Stagno-Navarra

1 min read

The incident happened yesterday when the Syracuse maritime police intercepted the cabin cruiser that was travelling at 35 knots through the natural reserve of Plemmirio, when the maximum speed limit is barely 5 knots.

According to the police, the Maltese boater ignored both siren and the beacon from the patrol boat and carried on southwards with excessive speed.

The police managed to stop the boat just three miles off Porto Palo, miles away from where it was initially intercepted, and was successfully halted only after an aeroplane had to fly low above it for four times, while another patrol boat had to be called in to assist.

The Maltese boater was informed that he will be charged and fined.