Gozo Channel says ferries safe

Updated:

Gozo Channel said this afternoon that it was confident that the allegations made by a senior master in a judicial protest yesterday would be found to be " absolutely unsubstantiated."

The ferry company was reacting to the protest filed by Capt Mario Grech, who alleged a series of safety violations.

Earlier, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech ordered an independent inquiry. The minister also told the company that Capt Grech is to be retained in his current position however not in active duty roster but in receipt of full pay.

Capt Grech this morning said he had been suspended by the company after filing his protest.

In his judicial protest, Capt Grech listed safety shortcomings by the company, including inadequate safety training, crewmen lacking qualifications, and a case where ferry water tanks were contaminated with harmful bacteria.

Gozo Channel said the employee concerned, while having been removed from the active duty roster, would remain in receipt of full basic pay until the inquiry is concluded.

"Gozo Channel Co Ltd is confident that the allegations made by the employee in question will be found to be absolutely unsubstantiated," company said, adding that it would file the appropriate counter judicial protest in due course. It would also cooperate fully with the inquiry.

"Gozo Channel Co Ltd assures its clients and the public that its operations are fully compliant with the law and proper practices and regrets the unjustified doubts cast upon it and upon its employees."

See also

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090924/local/master-alleges-safety-shortcomings-on-gozo-ferries