Protests continue in Split over toxic ship

Citizens in Split took to the streets again on Wednesday to protest the presence of the Moby Drea - an Italian ship which contains approximately 350 tonnes of asbestos. 

Although the asbestos panels were supposed to be removed from the ship, such activities are prohibited at the Brodosplit shipyard.

The Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure had initially ordered the ship to leave Split and Croatian territorial waters within seven days, but later extended that deadline by another 15 days due to the many logistical and technical requirements that need to be met.

Daniela Weber from the Healthy Split initiative said they had no trust in the government and did not believe the ship and its toxic cargo would leave within the allotted time.

"Based on everything we have seen until now we don't believe that the ship has any serious intention of leaving the Split shipyard. The government has continued to place the interests of entrepreneurs and foreign private enterprises ahead of the interest and of citizens," said Weber.

Mayor Tomislav Šuta remains confident the Moby Drea will leave within the next two weeks and called on citizens to show more patience.

He said that a city council session has been called for 3 September where representatives will discuss the situation with the ship and the future of the Brodosplit shipyard.

"My position is very clear: the way in which the shipyard is currently being managed is unacceptable," said Šuta.