First breach of offshore speeding rules

Until 31 August, ships and boats less than 500 metres from land in Nólsoy, Skúvoy and Mykines must go no faster than 8 mph. This regulation was introduced in April with the aim of protecting fragile birdlife by reducing noise near the small islands.

The first breach of this regulation was recorded on Friday night after eight water scooters were reported speeding in and around Nólsoy harbour.

The water scooters then reportedly headed north towards Runavík, where guard ship Tjaldrið was mooring at the quay. The Tjaldrið crew sent out a dinghy to intercept the speeding water scooters. Six of the eight water scooters were caught, and the drivers were charged with breaching the new so-called Ramsarkunngerðin regulation.

They are expected to receive a fine, the size of which is yet to be decided as this is the first breach of the new regulation.

Police have not yet spoken to the remaining two water scooter drivers.

All the eight drivers are believed to be based in Eysturoy.

Translated by prosa.fo