Costa Blanca
Torrevieja port is rendered inoperable due to vandalism at the lighthouse

The eastern lighthouse at the Port of Torrevieja has been inoperable for several days. The green starboard light, which serves as a warning for the vessel’s entrance, has been inoperative since last weekend. The lighthouse’s outage is the result of sabotage that has affected several of its components, according to sources from the Department of Environment, Infrastructure, and Territory of the Generalitat Valenciana, which is responsible for the management of the Torrevieja port.
The same sources have not, however, specified the duration of the outage for this critical maritime signalling system, despite their assertion that efforts are being made to restore it to operational status as soon as feasible.
Sources say one of the purse seine fishing boats that is employed by a wholesale company in San Pedro del Pinatar (Murcia) and lands its cargo at the Torrevieja fish market was involved in an accident that resulted in significant damage to its bow. The crew of the boat, which is currently undergoing repairs at the Marina Salinas marina, attributes this incident to the absence of said lighting at the port entrance.
According to other frequent port users, the lighthouse’s green light has been malfunctioning for an extended period. Recently, the lighthouse, which is also referred to as the starboard lighthouse of the Port of Torrevieja, has been subjected to continuous maintenance.
Access is exceedingly restricted
Currently, it is exceedingly challenging for the lighthouse to endure an incident of vandalism. Since November of last year, the entire Levante breakwater, which spans approximately 1,200 linear metres, has been under reconstruction. This renovation is a component of the project to renovate the cantilevered promenade, which extends to the lighthouse tower at the end of the Levante breakwater. The perimeter of the area is enclosed by a fence, and private security personnel are stationed at the facilities to prevent the entry of anglers and pedestrians, who frequently utilise this area for recreational purposes.

Additionally, the construction work has completely dismantled the upper section of the wooden planks that served as the promenade’s foundation. Consequently, accessing the lighthouse is exceedingly challenging unless one proceeds from the stone and concrete blocks to the exterior of the breakwater.
The dimly illuminated lighthouse and the final section of the lighting system that stretches for over 1,400 linear metres and outlines the breakwater itself are both depicted in the images of the dark Levante breakwater that have been released.
The services that supply electricity to the entire port area are also being impacted by the work that has begun to convert the fairgrounds to accommodate the amusement park in the port area.
Communication
The Poniente and Levante lighthouses of Torrevieja are indispensable for guaranteeing the safety of vessels during navigation. Nevertheless, the artisanal fleet’s equipment enables them to navigate without adhering to the lighthouses to identify the port entrance. Numerous other illuminated reference points are now available.
Fishing vessels do not exclusively use lighthouses. The Real Club Náutico, Marina Internacional, and Marina Salinas are the three marinas in Torrevieja, which are home to over 2,000 recreational vessels and yachts. The bay’s mouth is constantly in motion, with boats entering and exiting the area. In addition, dozens of recreational vessels are available for rent, many of which do not require a skipper’s licence. We frequently observe jet skiers and users of various water sports, including paddle surfing. Merchant salt is additionally delivered at the Sal-Poniente dock.
The Generalitat (Catalan Government) oversees approximately thirty port facilities in the Valencian Community. Torrevieja, in conjunction with Dénia, is the most significant of the terminals under its jurisdiction.
The Torrevieja Fishermen’s Association, which is currently awaiting confirmation of its concession from the Generalitat (Catalan Government) and provides unloading services and auctions to the Murcia and AlmerÃa purse seine fleet, has not offered any commentary regarding this shortage. Torrevieja fishermen operate exclusively small-scale fishing vessels. The local purser fleet has vanished entirely.
For more than a decade, the port of Torrevieja has been without a maritime captain, a civil servant position that is predominantly responsible for the supervision of traffic safety in maritime waters.
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Costa Blanca
Torrevieja aims to have 200 local police officers by 2027

The Torrevieja City Council, a municipality with a registered population of 108,000, has recently added six new local police officers to its personnel. During the summer months, the population of the municipality doubles. Nevertheless, the governing team, which is led by the Popular Party (PP) candidate Eduardo Dolón, aims to have 200 active officers by the end of the current term in 2027. This number is crucial to provide the services that the residents of Torrevieja and the thousands of tourists who visit us annually deserve.
The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, confirmed these facts to the Councillors for Personnel and Internal Affairs, MarÃa José Ruiz, and the Head of Security and Emergencies, Federico Alarcón, during the swearing-in of the six officers and two other municipal workers. He welcomed and encouraged them to work with outstanding dedication to continue improving the quality of municipal services in Torrevieja after they had sworn in or promised their positions.
In particular, a Chief Heritage Architect and a replacement Green Team worker, as well as six local police officers (four constables and two officers), have been appointed. Eduardo Dolón emphasised the financial investments that Torrevieja City Council has made in recent years to increase the number of police officers. With over 108,000 registered residents, this initiative aims to meet the city’s increasing security needs.
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Costa Blanca
UK bans EU cheese and meat to stop disease spreading

The UK government has implemented a temporary prohibition on the importation of cheese and meat products from the EU by holidaymakers in order to mitigate the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease.
Since Saturday, travellers have been prohibited from returning with items such as cured meat and cheese, including those used in sandwiches, as a result of the expanding pandemic on the continent.
Regardless of whether the products are purchased from a duty-free store or are packaged or packed, the restrictions remain in effect.
It follows an earlier prohibition of comparable products from Hungary, Slovakia, Germany, and Austria in response to the escalating prevalence of the cattle disease in those nations.
The restrictions are applicable to individuals who arrive in Great Britain, not Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
If individuals attempt to bring in products, they will be confiscated and destroyed. In “serious cases,” individuals may be subject to a fine of up to £5,000.
Among the restricted products are:
Pork, beef, lamb, mutton, goat, venison, other products created from these meats, such as sausages milk and dairy products like butter, cheese, and yoghurt.
Individuals are permitted to bring a maximum of 2kg of reconstituted infant milk, infant food, or special food that is required for medical purposes.
Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious virus that can result in lameness and nutrition difficulties, as well as blisters in the mouth and under the hooves of animals.
At present, there are no instances of foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom.
The most recent outbreak in the United Kingdom occurred in 2001. Despite the fact that there were only 2,000 confirmed cases, over six million sheep, cattle, and swine were slaughtered.
This is due to the fact that each of those instances resulted in the slaughter and burning of all of the livestock on a property.
The National Farmers Union’s president, Tom Bradshaw, expressed his satisfaction with the government’s decision to extend the initial prohibition, stating that it was “quick” to implement it.
He stated that “increased border controls are imperative” in order to contain the disease.
Mr. Bradshaw advocated for “a comprehensive cross-government biosecurity plan that would establish these restrictions on a permanent legislative basis and receive the requisite investment.”
The Guild of Fine Food, which represents independent food and drink retailers, stated that the ban on ‘holiday treats’ was ‘hurried’. However, it also noted that it brought the UK government’s policy for holidaymakers more in accordance with the restrictions already in place for small businesses.
“The food and drink industry is unequivocally in favour of the importance of biosecurity and the protection of our farmers,” stated John Farrand, the managing director of the Guild of Fine Food.
He stated, however, that the “bureaucracy” that was implemented following Brexit had imposed “significant constraints” on minor food and drink importers and exporters..
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Costa Blanca
Arrested in Murcia for activities linked to jihadist terrorism

A person has been apprehended in the province of Murcia for alleged terrorist offences by Guardia Civil officers, who are under the supervision of Central Investigation Court No. 2 and the Prosecutor’s Office of the National Court.
Since 2019, the detainee has been aligned with a variety of terrorist organisations, including DAESH. More recently, he has radicalised his behaviour and activities.
The detainee’s family background was previously known, as a close relative was expelled from the country in 2020 for activities that violated national security. This action was taken in response to a complaint lodged by the Guardia Civil’s counterterrorism units with the competent authority.
It was noted that he conducted an extensive number of internet searches and retained information regarding the operation and storage of firearms and explosive devices during the investigation.
Additionally, he conducted information enquiries on the security forces. The requisite measures were instituted to mitigate the potential threat that this individual could pose, as there was substantial evidence of his purported terrorist activities.
After the detainee was brought before the competent judicial authority, he was ordered to be imprisoned.
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