The 2002 built Gozo Channel ropax MALITA sustained damages after allision with Imgarr Terminal Quay due to strong wind hitting the Maltese Islands leaving only two ships in operation.
According to Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana who was replying to a parliamentary question by PN MP Chris Said, said that nobody was injured in the incident, with passengers and vehicles disembarked the vessel normally though the ship was taken out of service for repairs. Vessel was on her 1500 hrs trip from Cirkewwa to Imgarr.
A fourth Gozo channel ropax the NIKOLAOS was earlier this month also taken out of service for upgrades, and will start operating again on 12 December. Currently she’s at Chalkis, Greece.
This means that only two vessels GAUDOS and TA’ PINU are now serving passengers needing to cross between Malta and Gozo.
Caruana said that the Gozo Channel would be increasing the frequency of trips with the two ships which remain functioning. “This will cause an inconvenience, schedule wise, but nobody is at fault,” she said, underlining that the incident highlighted the importance of having a permanent connection between the two islands.
Watermarked Photos by Capt. Lawrence Dalli. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
Published – Monday 25th November 2019
