The seizure of the canoes, owned by a non-profit sports and ethics association, sparked an uproar among beachgoers, who promptly abandoned the beach in protest and solidarity. The incident occurred yesterday morning in Porto Torres, on the Scoglio Lungo beach, where Coast Guard officers, acting on orders from the Sassari Prosecutor's Office, seized twenty kayaks, two racks, and a floating passageway used by members to facilitate entry of boats into the water. These vessels and equipment, which were found to be without any authorization, as required by the Port Authority, were inspected.
The operation was carried out by the Port Authority, which identified the alleged crime of illegal occupation of public space and failure to comply with the regulations. The beachgoers' response was to leave the beach, where children, teenagers, and adults participate in canoeing activities during the season . Hundreds of the association's members, including many young disabled members, will have to forgo the activities scheduled in that stretch of water.
"This measure is challenging for us because we'll be forced to cancel our canoeing lessons, which will be suspended until the issue is resolved ," explains Pier Peddio of the ASD Azen Kayak association. "We'll need a space adjacent to the beach and a body of water where we can practice in the water, otherwise we risk the business closing." The association participates in environmental protection initiatives throughout the year, participating in beach and sea cleanups.