The Transport Ministry said this morning that a cruise ship opted to anchor off Mgarr in Gozo instead of using the new buoy off Xlendi because of unfavourable weather conditions.

The small cruise ship Spirit of Adventure arrived off Xlendi at about 7 a.m. and maneuvered to moor to the buoy but later moved on to Mgarr, where it arrived just after 8 a.m.

The buoy was laid off Xlendi last month.

A spokesman for the Ministry of the Infrastructure and Transport said that the Spirit of Adventure proceeded to Xlendi first to evaluate the sea conditions locally. Due to the prevailing weather conditions, NW 5-6, the Master decided that conditions are not suitable and hence requested permission to anchor off Mgarr since this location was more sheltered.

Transport Malta granted the request and the vessel anchored off Mgarr.

The ministry said there was nothing wrong with the buoy and it would be used when the weather was favourable, which was not the case today.

Picture: Thomas Bajada

mynews@timesofmalta.com

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