The small, 50-horsepower tender boarded by five French tourists in an ill-fated voyage was suited to sheltered waters such as rivers or ports, according to a fishing expert.

“This is not an ideal boat for sailing or pleasure. The flat-bottomed boat was over-powered at 50 hp, making it easier to overturn if not handled properly when navigated,” said National Fisheries Cooperative general secretary Raymond Bugeja.

The boat was used by the tourists in Xlendi Bay in an attempt to reach their yacht in Dwejra, a short trip that ended in tragedy.

Mr Bugeja was mystified as to why a flat-bottomed boat was used as a tender since over 90 per cent of yachts and sailing boats nowadays use rigid-inflatable boats (RIBs) or dinghies.

Water that seeps into flat-bottomed boats has to be taken out manually. Additionally, such tender boats normally navigate in limits where the mother ship is still visible.

“Once the four-metre boat exited Xlendi Bay, the sea would have been 10 times rougher than within the bay. It is highly probable that the boat overturned between Mġarr ix-Xini and outside Xlendi Bay.”

Mr Bugeja added that a four-metre RIB boat powered by an engine between 15 to 25 hp would have been more stable at sea, even though it is not advisable to sail in choppy waters and winds blowing at a minimum of force five.

“The flat-bottomed boat would have carried the weight of five people but it is highly unstable, especially if its occupants shift to one side of the boat. Never underestimate the strength of the sea.”