A number of yacht owners who berth their vessels at the Ta’ Xbiex yacht marina have filed a judicial protest against Transport Malta complaining that the authority is not maintaining the quay despite the fact that they pay thousands of euros in fees. The structure, they say, has ended up in a dangerous state.

They also insisted that thefts from boats have taken place due to a lack of surveillance in the area. They called on the authority to carry out its obligations in terms of the law.

The yacht owners have been battling the issue in court for several years. They say that 20 years ago they were given an indefinite right to berth at the marina but Transport Malta wrote to them requesting that they sign a new contract or face eviction.

The yacht owners had launched a court case, which they won, but the authority subsequently won an appeal. The case is now before the European Court.

The protest was signed by lawyers David Camilleri and Joseph Gatt.