Inquiry into Gozo Channel claims not concluded

The inquiry into allegations of serious shortcomings on Gozo Channel ferries has still not been concluded, five months after it was ordered.

Captain Mario Grech, a ship master on one of the vessels reported serious safety flaws on board Gozo Channel ferries last September when he filed a judicial protest against his employers.

He alleged serious safety shortcomings revolving around lifesaving equipment, emergency training, lack of qualifications of a boatswain and the presence of the potentially-deadly Legionella bacteria in the water supply of three ferries.

The Gozo court today started hearing a civil case instituted by Captain Grech against his employers in which he is contesting the fact that he was suspended with full pay a day after exposing the shortcomings. Captain Grech had also exposed the fact that he had been assigned a boatswain who did not have the necessary qualifications despite being in possession of what the ship master believed to be a forged certificate.

Criminal action has already been taken against former boatswain Angelo Demanuele, 50, who was allegedly caught trying to pass off a false EDH (efficient deck-hand) certificate as an authentic one. He is pleading not guilty to forging and using the false certificate.

During today's sitting, presided over by Magistrate Anthony Ellul, Captain Grech's lawyer and the lawyer for Gozo Channel made preliminary submissions on legal issues. The case was put off for the submissions to be made in writing.