The ferry service between Valletta and Sliema has been suspended following threats to the crews.

Informed sources said the crews were refusing to operate, even under police escort. A number of passengers have been stranded in Sliema and Valletta.

Earlier, the master of one of the ferries was threatened in Sliema after the police stopped public transport workers from boarding his vessel in Valletta.

The threats were shouted at the captain when the ferry arrived in Sliema. He was told his ferry would be 'destroyed'.

The incident started when a group of some 50 transport workers tried to board the ferry from Valletta to Sliema but were held back by a small contingent of policemen, which was quickly reinforced.

The gangway was briefly raised as a precaution and a group of some 60 passengers waited. The gangway was then lowered again and passengers allowed on board while the drivers were held back amid much argument but no other incident. The ferry then left.

The drivers said they had intended to board the ferry peacefully and had every right to do so like ordinary citizens. Policemen replied they could get them another ferry, but the drivers are now leaving.

The drivers had earlier boarded the ferry but an official of the Transport Authority persuaded them to let the passengers disembark without incident, and the workers then also got off the boat but stayed near by.