Instant karma for wealthy tourists as they get their just deserts for annoying locals by setting up two gazebos, a festival-sized barbecue and a volleyball court on Sardinia’s normally quiet beach

This was the moment when the Italian coast guard descended on a pristine protected beach on the island of Sardinia on Sunday to break up an illegal party organized by the crew of a luxury private yacht.

Footage from disgruntled swimmers captured authorities stepping in to put an end to the spontaneous party at Talmone beach in Palau, Sardinia, less than two hours after the party had begun.

Earlier in the day, several motorboats had set off from the massive 60-metre pleasure yacht to set up barbecues, marquees, loudspeakers and even a volleyball court on the calm, sandy shore.

Shocked and angry bathers paddle into the sapphire blue water and watch as the crew unloads and sets up their gear, despite rules that prohibit boats from sailing too close to the shoreline.

Within minutes, Talmone Beach, a stretch of coastline reserved only for swimmers and subject to a series of restrictions imposed by the Italian authorities, turned into something resembling a private beach

Footage taken by disgruntled beachgoers captured the moment authorities intervened to stop the impromptu party

Beachgoers watch as members of the Italian coast guard arrive to end the party

Rowboats launched from the yacht repeatedly approached the island, despite regulations prohibiting this, and soon took over the coastline.

Within minutes, Talmone Beach, a stretch of coastline only accessible to swimmers and subject to a host of restrictions by the Italian authorities, turned into a kind of private beach.

The team erected two large gazebos, set up a barbecue, tables, chairs, speakers and even a volleyball court, turning the quiet beach into a lavish party venue – much to the chagrin of local beachgoers.

The Sardinian environmental organization ‘Amici di Talmone’, which works to protect this unspoiled natural area, alerted the coastguard and the port authorities. Their boats reached the shoreline within two hours, abruptly ending the party.

The incident was detailed in a statement on the Facebook page of ‘Amici di Talmone’, which said: ‘The beach of Talmone has now become an illegal private resort for the wealthy holidaymakers of the yacht Rock.It.

‘Despite the prohibitions in the Sardinia Region’s bathing ordinance, this blatant disregard for the environment continues.’

Many of Sardinia’s beaches are subject to very restrictive regulations to prevent overtourism and protect fragile marine ecosystems.

Many of Sardinia’s beaches are subject to very restrictive regulations to prevent overtourism and protect fragile marine ecosystems.

The statement continued: ‘Gazebos, heaters and a volleyball net were set up early in the morning, covering the entire beach. A constant stream of motorized rubber boats brought food, guests and supplies.

‘Fires were started on the beach, which were only extinguished after the intervention of the Coast Guard. Damage to the environment occurred both on land and at sea.

“As the summer of misconduct continues, the Friends of Talmone remain vigilant.”

Many beaches in Sardinia have strict rules in place to combat overtourism and protect fragile marine ecosystems.

The billionaire owner of the yacht was not present at the party in Sardinia, suggesting the event was organised by the ship’s crew or by private clients who had chartered the vessel.

However, data from ship tracking systems confirmed the yacht was off the coast of Sardinia this weekend, with Italian authorities forced to halt festivities in the protected area.