The drowning of a 44-year-old in Velipoja beach sparked a protest from a group of tourists coming from Kosovo.

According to them, the late arrival of the ambulance led to the fatality, meanwhile also raising concern about the lack of lifeguards along the coastline who could have rescued the victim from drowning.

Tefik Jakupi from Gjakova told Euronews Albania that there are many negative aspects, including the cleanliness of the beach and lack of lifeguards.

Another protester said she did not witness the incident, but had joined the cause after passing by.

“I felt really bad that a person died due to a lack of medical care. The emergency service came very late, he suffered cardiac arrest but could have been potentially saved”, said a citizen.

After the protest, several health institutions from the region of Shkodra reacted by sending auto-ambulances and medical staff to the beach.