Damaged tuna cages remain adrift

Four tuna cages damaged by strong winds and rough seas on Sunday had drifted up to 35 miles out by yesterday afternoon, with the bad weather hampering their recovery.

The cages, belonging to Ta' Mattew Fish Farms Ltd, were originally moored five miles off the coast, to the east of Valletta, but were damaged in gale force winds leading to a loss of 600 tonnes of tuna stock worth €7.4 million.

Speaking after reaching land yesterday, owner Ray Bugeja said the strong sea currents had dragged the cages further out to sea, making the salvage operation very lengthy and difficult. "We were out at sea throughout Monday and it will probably take us all day tomorrow (today) to salvage the nets," Mr Bugeja said, adding that three fishing boats were involved in the operation.

More than 90 per cent of the tuna stock, he said, had escaped. Only a few carcasses could be seen.

Valletta Port Control was notified of the incident on Sunday in order to urge caution by ships that might sail through the area.

Other tuna farm operators contacted did not report any damage to their cages.

Gale force winds persisted yesterday and the Malta International Airport's Meteorological Office was forecasting a strong Force 6 southerly wind and rough sea for today.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com