Latest news with #Ionia

Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches

The Irish Sun

2 days ago

The Irish Sun

Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches

AS parts of Spain become more crowded with tourists and prices are rising, Brits are ditching the country in favour of quieter Greek islands. Growing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations, like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri, according to Greek travel experts Advertisement 9 Growing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations Credit: Alamy 9 Greek destinations like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri are becoming great alternatives Credit: Alamy 9 The islands are known for being great value for money Credit: Alamy And these destinations don't break the bank. Especially, when drinks can be found in local tavernas for as low as £1, for example. Like on islands such as Kalymnos and Agistri, visitors can often find 500ml draught beer or a carafe of house wine priced between €1.50 and €2.50 (£1.30–£2.10). Meze dishes featuring grilled vegetables, fried cheese or seafood can be found for under €5 (£4.24). Advertisement Read more on Greece Places to eat and grab a drink are often family-run, which adds to their charm. A spokesperson for Ionian Island Holidays said: "Many of these tavernas have been in families for generations," "They care more about welcoming guests than maximising profit." Another reason why holidaymakers are heading to Greece over Spain, is for the peaceful coves and quiet beaches. Advertisement Most read in News Travel For example, in Thassos, Marble Beach has white-pebble shores and clear water. Alternatively, in Lefkada, down cascading steps is The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach In Agistri, Aponisos Beach has shallow water, perfect for families. Whilst many of the beaches across Greece are only reachable via foot or local water taxis, this helps preserve their charm. Advertisement "You won't need to claim a sunbed at 7 a.m.—there's space for everyone," said an Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. Undeniably, when on holiday food is a top priority. And in Greece, the food is fresh, local and often low cost. Seafood dishes like sardines, grilled octopus or calamari can be found for €8–€12 (£7–£10). Advertisement 9 In Greece, the food is fresh, local and often low cost Credit: Alamy 9 Drinks can be found in local tavernas for as low as £1, too Credit: Alamy Or hearty mains such as moussaka or souvlaki typically cost €6–€9 (£5–£8). If you wanted to share, plates (meze) of fava, dolmades, tzatziki or fried courgette often start at just €3 (£2.50). Advertisement Most meals tend to be cooked from scratch using local ingredients. Tavernas will grow their own herbs, source fish directly from nearby harbours and cook with olive oil processed locally. Most meals are made from scratch using local ingredients—many tavernas grow their own herbs, source fish directly from nearby harbours and use olive oil pressed locally. "It's not just cheap—it's authentic. These aren't tourist menus; they're cooking for neighbours , too," added the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. Advertisement Typically, Greece also offers better value accommodation and daily costs remain the cheapest in Europe, during off-peak months. For example, double rooms in local guesthouses on Thassos or Lefkada cost around £25–£35 per night. 9 Double rooms in local guesthouses on Thassos or Lefkada cost around £25–£35 per night Credit: Alamy 9 Transport tends to be cheap too with short inter-island ferries costing under €10 (£8.47) Credit: Alamy Advertisement Many properties have kitchenettes too, which is ideal for families wanting to cook their own food. For transport , short inter-island ferries are typically under €10 (£8.47). "Families and couples can enjoy an entire day out, meals included, for the price of a single tourist attraction in other destinations," said the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. Unlike many parts of Spain, Greece has less overcrowding. Advertisement Travellers often report being welcomed into village festivals, outdoor cinemas and local cafés, as well as feeling like part of the community by the end of their stay. "Visitors often say they feel like they're in a real community, not a tourist zone," commented the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. 9 The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable as well Credit: Alamy "That authenticity is priceless." Advertisement When it comes to what Brits are actually looking for, natural beauty, value for money and meaningful local experiences repeatedly crop up. The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable with couples, solo travellers and families seeking calm and affordability. The Ionian Islands Holidays spokesperson said: "Our guests are looking for quality without excess… beautiful views, kind people and good food that doesn't cost a fortune." There is also a Advertisement Plus, 9 Greece also has less overcrowding than Spain Credit: Alamy

List: Memorial Day parades, events in West Michigan 2025

Yahoo

14-05-2025

Entertainment
Yahoo

List: Memorial Day parades, events in West Michigan 2025

Firm issued fake insurance for Russian oil tankers

Al Arabiya

02-04-2025

Business
Al Arabiya

Firm issued fake insurance for Russian oil tankers

The insurance issued to dozens of ageing oil tankers used by Russia to skirt international sanctions was bogus, according to Norwegian authorities now investigating the small firm behind the forged documents. Norway-registered Romarine AS purported to be an insurance provider with a website listing dozens of tankers believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, including vessels under Western sanctions. However, the company was not registered as an insurance provider by Norway's Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA), the FSA said. Western nations have imposed sanctions on hundreds of ships they suspect Russia is using to avoid price cap restrictions on exports of crude oil and other cargoes. Such vessels are not regulated or covered by conventional Western insurers, posing the risk of unsafe tankers and environmental damage in the event of a wreck. What makes the matter of Romarine stand out is that the firm made an effort to show the tankers involved had Western insurance coverage in the event of pollution or sinking. 'It's an extremely unusual case,' Jo Gjedrem, an official at the FSA, told Reuters. The FSA sent a warning to Romarine in January, but the company failed to respond, the authority told Reuters, prompting it to issue an order on March 4 instructing the firm to halt operations. Romarine in response to emailed questions from Reuters said it was aware of the FSA's March 4 order and that it had replied 'with some delay through our lawyers.' Romarine said it operated in line with applicable regulations, but that it had decided to stop taking new business until there is 'positive feedback from the authority.' The FSA said it had received no reply from Romarine. Romarine AS is fully owned by Andrey Mochalin, a Russian citizen and former employee of Norwegian insurer Hydor AS, Norwegian commercial database Proff shows. Johan Gjernes, Romarine's former chairman and Hydor AS's chief business officer, told Reuters by email that Romarine was sold to Mochalin who owns it outright. Gjernes resigned from Romarine in August 2023, while Mochalin became its chairman a year later, Norway's official company registry shows. Romarine's website is located in Russia, according to Norid AS, Norway's government-run registry of domain names. Two commercial IP locating websites pinpointed an address in St Petersburg. Mochalin did not return Reuters' telephone calls, text messages, LinkedIn and WhatsApp messages or requests for comment sent by email. Ships under sanctions Romarine's website as of early March listed at least 30 oil tankers subject to US, EU or UK sanctions, including the oil tankers Captain Kostichev and Ionia, two vessels which appeared in certificates of insurance presented to Russian port authorities seen by Reuters. It has deleted some names since. A certificate of insurance provided by the Gabon-flagged tanker Ionia to Russian port authorities in Primorsk on February 2 and dated January 9 listed Romarine as its insurance provider. Another presented to port authorities in De Kastri in Russia's Far East by the Panama-flagged Captain Kostichev was dated March 24 also listed Romarine as its insurer. Although that certificate said it was valid until April 24, the vessel has since been deleted from Romarine's website while the Ionia remains. The Ionia is owned and operated by Seychelles-based Narus Maritime Corporation. When asked about insuring vessels that are subject to Western sanctions, Romarine said they appeared on its website by mistake due to a technical glitch. 'We have implemented our new system with automatic input some weeks ago and (we are) working to find out what went wrong,' the company said in an emailed reply to Reuters received on March 12. Gjedrem said the FSA became concerned about Romarine after it received an emailed inquiry last September from overseas asking about a document carrying FSA's letterhead which certified Romarine as a vessel's insurer. 'We immediately saw that it was false,' Gjedrem said. 'The letterhead had possibly been copied and pasted into the forged document. It cited non-existent Norwegian law. The person who signed it never worked at Finanstilsynet (the FSA), and the stamp was false.' The FSA on March 25 posted a warning on its website against using the services of Romarine. Oslo police have also launched an investigation into Romarine's business activities after receiving a complaint from the FSA. The police told Reuters they were investigating four people - two Norwegian citizens, one Bulgarian and a Russian - on suspicion of creating and using falsified documents and performing insurance mediation activities without a license. They said a search of the residence of one of the suspects was conducted in late March. Norwegian public broadcaster NRK was the first to report the police investigation. Romarine did not reply to a Reuters request for comment on the police probe.

Reuters

02-04-2025

Business
Reuters

Firm issued fake insurance for Russian oil tankers, Norway's FSA says

April 2 (Reuters) - The insurance issued to dozens of ageing oil tankers used by Russia to skirt international sanctions was bogus, according to Norwegian authorities now investigating the small firm behind the forged documents. Norway-registered Romarine AS purported to be an insurance provider with a website listing dozens of tankers believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, including vessels under Western sanctions. However, the company was not registered as an insurance provider by Norway's Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA), the FSA said. Western nations have imposed sanctions on hundreds of ships they suspect Russia is using to avoid price cap restrictions on exports of crude oil and other cargoes. Such vessels are not regulated or covered by conventional Western insurers, posing the risk of unsafe tankers and environmental damage in the event of a wreck. What makes the matter of Romarine stand out is that the firm made an effort to show the tankers involved had Western insurance coverage in the event of pollution or sinking. "It's an extremely unusual case," Jo Gjedrem, an official at the FSA, told Reuters. The FSA sent a warning to Romarine in January, but the company failed to respond, the authority told Reuters, prompting it to issue an order on March 4 instructing the firm to halt operations. Romarine in response to emailed questions from Reuters said it was aware of the FSA's March 4 order and that it had replied "with some delay through our lawyers". Romarine said it operated in line with applicable regulations, but that it had decided to stop taking new business until there is "positive feedback from the authority". The FSA said it had received no reply from Romarine. Romarine AS is fully owned by Andrey Mochalin, a Russian citizen and former employee of Norwegian insurer Hydor AS, Norwegian commercial database Proff shows. Johan Gjernes, Romarine's former chairman and Hydor AS's chief business officer, told Reuters by email that Romarine was sold to Mochalin who owns it outright. Gjernes resigned from Romarine in August 2023, while Mochalin became its chairman a year later, Norway's official company registry shows. Romarine's website is located in Russia, according to Norid AS, Norway's government-run registry of domain names. Two commercial IP locating websites pinpointed an address in St Petersburg. Mochalin did not return Reuters' telephone calls, text messages, LinkedIn and WhatsApp messages or requests for comment sent by email. SHIPS UNDER SANCTIONS Romarine's website as of early March listed at least 30 oil tankers subject to U.S., EU or UK sanctions, including the oil tankers Captain Kostichev and Ionia, two vessels which appeared in certificates of insurance presented to Russian port authorities seen by Reuters. It has deleted some names since. A certificate of insurance provided by the Gabon-flagged tanker Ionia to Russian port authorities in Primorsk on February 2 and dated January 9 listed Romarine as its insurance provider. Another presented to port authorities in De Kastri in Russia's Far East by the Panama-flagged Captain Kostichev was dated March 24 also listed Romarine as its insurer. Although that certificate said it was valid until April 24, the vessel has since been deleted from Romarine's website while the Ionia remains. The Captain Kostichev is operated by United Arab Emirates-based Stream Ship Management, LSEG data shows. The Ionia is owned and operated by Seychelles-based Narus Maritime Corporation. Reuters was not able to reach either company for comment. When asked about insuring vessels that are subject to Western sanctions, Romarine said they appeared on its website by mistake due to a technical glitch. "We have implemented our new system with automatic input some weeks ago and (we are) working to find out what went wrong," the company said in an emailed reply to Reuters received on March 12. Gjedrem said the FSA became concerned about Romarine after it received an emailed inquiry last September from overseas asking about a document carrying FSA's letterhead which certified Romarine as a vessel's insurer. "We immediately saw that it was false," Gjedrem said. "The letterhead had possibly been copied and pasted into the forged document. It cited non-existent Norwegian law. The person who signed it never worked at Finanstilsynet (the FSA), and the stamp was false." The FSA on March 25 posted a warning on its website against using the services of Romarine. Oslo police have also launched an investigation into Romarine's business activities after receiving a complaint from the FSA. The police told Reuters they were investigating four people - two Norwegian citizens, one Bulgarian and a Russian - on suspicion of creating and using falsified documents and performing insurance mediation activities without a licence. They said a search of the residence of one of the suspects was conducted in late March. Norwegian public broadcaster NRK was the first to report the police investigation. Romarine did not reply to a Reuters request for comment on the police probe. Russia's Ministry of Transport and its Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport did not reply to Reuters' requests for comment about the Norwegian investigation into Romarine or its order for the firm to halt operations.

DNR: ‘Normal' winter could lead to more fish kills during spring thaw

Yahoo

17-03-2025

Climate
Yahoo

DNR: ‘Normal' winter could lead to more fish kills during spring thaw

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — There are some pros and cons to spring. It is often rainy and muddy and snow can still sneak out of nowhere to steal away the sunshine. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is warning people of another natural, yet unsavory part of spring: . Unlike recent ones, the DNR says Michigan had a 'more normal' winter this year — 'more cold days and near-average snow fall across the state.' Because of that, you may notice more dead fish than usual. EGLE: Massive Ionia fish kill caused by bad fertilizer application 'Winterkill is the most common type of fish kill,' DNR Fish Production Program manager Aaron Switzer . 'It can be particularly common in shallow lakes, ponds, streams and canals during seasonal changes. It's a natural phenomenon, and these kills are localized. They typically do not affect the overall health of fish populations or fishing quality.' Nutrient runoff and excess road pollution can lead to more fish kills in urban areas, especially after large storms. Shallow lakes with soft bottoms are also more prone to winterkills, especially when deep snowpack reduces sunlight for the lake's plants. 'Fish and all forms of aquatic life need dissolved oxygen to survive,' the DNR says. 'When ice and snow cover reduce the daylight that reaches the water depths, aquatic plants stop producing oxygen, and many die. DNR set to collect walleye eggs near Croton Dam 'Bacteria use the remaining oxygen in the water to decompose the dead plants and other organic materials on the lake bottom. With available oxygen reduced, more aquatic animals die and start to break down, speeding up the rate that oxygen is used for decomposition.' The fish kills may not necessarily happen in the spring, but older ones often aren't discovered until the spring. DNR forced to kill 31,000 salmon after bacterial outbreak at hatchery 'If you see dead fish as a result of winterkill, the fish may appear fuzzy. This is because of secondary infection by fungus, but the fungus was not the cause of death,' Switzer said. Residents can report fish kills to the DNR through the agency's website. If you suspect a fish kill is due to nonnatural causes, call the nearest DNR office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Latest news with #Ionia

Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches

List: Memorial Day parades, events in West Michigan 2025

Firm issued fake insurance for Russian oil tankers

Firm issued fake insurance for Russian oil tankers, Norway's FSA says

DNR: ‘Normal' winter could lead to more fish kills during spring thaw

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