Application filed for temporary pontoon at Blue Lagoon

The Malta Maritime Authority is thinking of installing another temporary pontoon at the Blue Lagoon in Comino after the first one was dismantled almost six months ago when it capsized, injuring two people.

To this end, an application has been filed with the planning authority.

The first temporary pontoon, installed in July, cost about €36,870.

It was used as a transfer platform for passengers embarking and disembarking from ferry boats, which did not need get too close to the bathing area. But it was removed after two people were injured when it capsized almost three weeks after it was installed and secured in place with a number of chains.

"The Malta Maritime Authority is considering several options, including the one referred in the planning authority application, to improve craft accessibility and passenger handling. This option is subject to the permit and to further studies," a spokesman said.

On the day of the incident, the MMA had said the pontoon overturned because it was overloaded with people.

Although slack in one of the chains was noted a few days before the incident, a government spokesman had said immediate action was not considered necessary because the chains were not meant to prevent the pontoon from rolling but to keep it in place. An investigation into why the pontoon capsized is still under way.