Vlora's Border Police and Coast Guard came to the aid of two foreign tourists after their sailboat experienced engine failure and was left drifting in open waters off Albania’s southern coast.
The incident occurred approximately 5 nautical miles from shore, in front of the picturesque Grama Bay, where the vessel and its occupants were at risk due to high waves and rough sea conditions.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Regional Directorate of Border and Migration Police in Vlora immediately mobilized a rescue operation. A patrol boat from the Dhërmi Border Police Station was dispatched to the tourists' location, while land-based units maintained visual contact with the sailboat.
Despite the challenging conditions, rescue teams managed to locate the vessel and, with assistance from the Coast Guard crew, safely escorted it to the Port of Porto Palermo after several hours of coordinated effort.
Authorities confirmed that the two tourists were in good health following the rescue.
In an official statement, the police said:
"Earlier today, the Vlora Regional Directorate of Border and Migration Police received information about two foreign nationals aboard a vessel approximately 5 miles offshore, in front of Grama Bay, requesting assistance. Border Police services were immediately organized, and the patrol boat from Dhërmi Border Police Station headed toward the given coordinates to locate and assist the tourists, who were also endangered by rough seas. Simultaneously, a land patrol kept the sailboat under continuous observation. Despite the difficult conditions, after several hours and in cooperation with the Coast Guard crew, the sailboat was safely escorted to the Bay of Porto Palermo. The two individuals are in good health.”
This rescue underscores the readiness and coordination of Albanian maritime authorities in ensuring the safety of tourists navigating the country's coastal waters.