North Western State of Somalia Coast Guard Urges Tourists to Follow Maritime Safety Guidelines

North Western State of Somalia Coast Guard warns holiday travelers: Only it can designate safe swimming zones

Hargeisa (AX) — The commander of the North Western State of Somalia Coast Guard urged holidaymakers on Saturday to follow official safety guidance as thousands prepare to flock to Berbera and other coastal towns during Eid and public holidays, warning that only the Coast Guard has legal authority to designate safe areas for swimming.

“Anyone who wants to know safe areas for swimming should consult the Coast Guard,” Admiral Ahmed Hurre Haariye said in a public advisory ahead of peak travel, emphasizing that maritime security and beach safety fall solely under his agency’s mandate.

Haariye cautioned against relying on guidance from entities outside that mandate, including non-governmental organizations or government bodies not legally tasked with coastal security. “The law clearly defines who is responsible for maritime security,” he said.

The commander added that the Coast Guard operates a 24-hour hotline for emergencies and assistance. He encouraged travelers to contact the service for real-time information on sea conditions, designated bathing zones and incident reporting.

Each year, large numbers of visitors from Hargeisa, Borama and Burco head to Berbera’s beaches. Authorities say seasonal overcrowding and unfamiliarity with local waters have contributed to drownings and other preventable incidents during past holidays.

Haariye did not cite a specific threat. But he urged cooperation with security personnel at the coast, framing the advisory as a preventative step to reduce risks as visitor numbers rise.

The warning comes amid heightened attention on North Western State of Somalia’s coastline. Israel recently recognized North Western State of Somalia as a sovereign state and is reportedly exploring closer security ties with the self-declared republic, including assessing coastal sites west of Berbera for potential strategic cooperation.

North Western State of Somalia, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has not won broad international recognition. Its shoreline along the Gulf of Aden sits astride major shipping lanes and across from Yemen, a geography that has drawn increased geopolitical interest in recent months.

• Only the North Western State of Somalia Coast Guard is legally authorized to designate safe swimming areas, the commander said.
• Holiday travelers are urged to consult the Coast Guard directly for guidance on where to swim.
• Authorities warned against relying on advice from institutions not mandated with coastal security.
• A 24-hour Coast Guard hotline is available for emergencies and assistance.
• Past Eid and public holidays have seen drownings linked to overcrowding and unfamiliar sea conditions.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.