Catamaran resumes service after window panes mishap

The Virtù Ferries catamaran San Gwann had to turn back to base after travelling about 300 metres outside Grand Harbour on its way to Pozzallo on Maundy Thursday after two of its window panes were smashed in rough seas.

Company director Henri Saliba said that at no time was there any danger to the passengers or crew.

"We can sail in that type of sea," he said, adding that the incident was not as serious as those who are not used to heavy seas might have made it out to be.

There were 320 passengers, including tourists, and 19 cars on board the San Gwann, which can accommodate 427 passengers and 21 cars. According to yesterday's weather report, the wind was strong to very strong easterly becoming strong northeast and the sea was rough to very rough.

Oliver Brownrigg, who was onboard together with his wife, who is four months pregnant, said that as soon as the catamaran got past the arms of the breakwater, she was buffeted by the strong northeasterly wind and two of the eight front glass panels were shattered as they were hit by a huge wave.

On disembarking, Mr Brownrigg said he phoned to check the weather report and was informed that it was a force 8/9 blowing from the northeast.

Although Mr Brownrigg believes the ferry should never have left Grand Harbour in view of the inclement weather he praised the staff for their timely assistance.

Virtù Ferries' Mr Saliba explained that according to the vessel's log book, the window panes developed a crack and were then shattered.

The windows are about four metres above the waterline and although the sea was rough it was safe for the catamaran to sail, he said.

Virtù Ferries have been operating trips to Sicily for the past 12 years and their captains know the channel between the two islands like the back of their hand, Mr Saliba added.

Virtù Ferries own another catamaran, the San Frangisk, and the company operates about 500 trips with the two vessels annually.

The San Gwann, which is three years old, is the fastest and best boat on the company's books and was built purposely for the Malta-Sicily crossings. Her windows are certified by the builders and Virtù Ferries will be investigating what led the window panes to crack and break. It would take up the issue with the boat's builders.

The shattered window panes were replaced within two to three hours and the San Gwann was then back in service.

"We have never had such an incident during all the time we have been operating this service - which is a good sign. The captain, crew and staff on board the catamaran were very much in control of the situation.

"The decision to make the trip lies with the captain," Mr Saliba said.