Virtu Ferries has cancelled crossings to Sicily because of technical problems, thwarting the holiday plans of many for the extended holiday weekend.

Virtu said it would resume the service as soon as possible after earlier saying it was cancelling trips until Tuesday, the feast of St Paul.

The announcement was made yesterday after the catamaran Jean de La Valette was forced to turn back to Malta an hour into the crossing because of a technical fault.

Passengers said they spent five hours on the catamaran waiting to learn whether the trip would resume.

In its statement, Virtu apologised for the inconvenience, saying this was the first time the vessel could not perform the voyage.

The company also said all passengers booked to travel on cancelled services would be offered an additional free ticket (excluding port charges) that may be used throughout this year.

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