Joseph Grech, chairman of Gozo Channel, resigned this afternoon but denied he had actually demanded that a ferry return to Mgarr to pick him up.
In a letter to Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, Dr Grech said:
“I refer to the story carried yesterday by the Sunday Times whereby it was reported that I demanded that the ferry turn back to pick me and my family up.
"Allow me to clarify the facts and the sequence of events prior to coming to the subject of this letter.
"First of all, the article in question incorrectly reported that I was with my family, when I was in fact travelling alone. While possibly being considered a moot point, it is important for me to set the record straight, not to have my family unnecessarily dragged into this matter.
"As correctly reported in the Times, I arrived at the quay aiming to catch the 19.30 ferry, being unfortunately and inexcusably unaware that the new timetable, in effect since just a few days, meant that the ferry’s scheduled departure time was 19.15.
"On the basis of this mistaken impression, I thought that the ferry had departed earlier than scheduled and immediately queried and challenged what I believed was an early departure. I am sure that you understand that on the basis of my mistaken impression, a departure earlier than scheduled would have meant poor customer service, resulting in leaving commuters stranded. My immediate indignant communication meant that the ferry, which had only just left the quay and was just a few metres out, was stopped, and waited for the waters to settle to come back.
"By the time the error in my perception of the timetable was pointed out to me, it was too later and the ferry had already docked again, and myself and all other cars present were boarded.
"This is in no way an attempt on my part to excuse or justify the matter and is solely aimed at correcting the impression that I ordered the ferry turned back on a whim, or out of personal convenience.
"In fact, understanding the embarrassment that such an occurrence can cause for all concerned, I see no other option but to tender my resignation from the position of Chairman of Gozo Channel Company Limited.
"I am taking this step with no little regret, as my experience with the company and working with your good self, has been positive in the extreme.
"I thank you for the trust you showed in me to date, and also express my regret for any embarrassment this incident may have caused.”