Family accepts apology from ferry company
The story as it appeared in this newspaper, which prompted the Gozo Channel to apologise and take remedial action. Joseph Zerafa has accepted an apology by the Gozo Channel chairman over an incident involving his wheelchair-bound son. “I accept the...
[attach id="200941" size="medium"]The story as it appeared in this newspaper, which prompted the Gozo Channel to apologise and take remedial action.[/attach]
Joseph Zerafa has accepted an apology by the Gozo Channel chairman over an incident involving his wheelchair-bound son.
“I accept the apology and appreciate the interest,” Mr Zerafa, 66, said,adding he was not aware of the ferry company’s policy to allow priority boarding in special circumstances.
The Zerafa family had to make the 30-minute trip to Gozo with their 40-year-old son, Donovan, in the car hold after parked cars blocked access to the lift.
After the family went public with their story, Gozo Channel chairman Paul Curmi apologised for the incident and for “the insensitive behaviour that may have been demonstrated” by any of the employees.
After the incident was reported, Mr Curmi said instructions were issued to terminal managers so that the lane alongside the lift would be the last to be used.
He also highlighted the company’s policy of having priority boarding in special circumstances. Mr Curmi said people should contact the company at least an hour before and arrive at the terminal 15 minutes prior to departure time.
“It was important for the company to publicise the priority boarding service,” Mr Zerafa said, adding the instructions to fill the lane next to the lift last was a positive development.
ksansone@timesofmalta.com
Priority boarding
People with special requirements who want to apply for priority boarding on the ferry can contact Gozo Channel on 2155 6114/2156 1622. A request can also be made by e-mailing the company at admin@gozochannel.com.