Passenger gives account of catamaran accident

The Harrowing experience by passengers on board the Virtù Ferries catamaran San Gwann on Maundy Thursday, which was reported in The Times yesterday, was also recorded by The Sunday Times reader Krista Degaetano, 21.

The San Gwann had to return to Grand Harbour after two of its eight window panes on the front of the vessel were smashed by the rough seas when the craft was about 300 metres outside the breakwater.

Following the account given in The Times by Oliver Brownrigg, Henri Saliba, director of Virtu Ferries, had said when contacted that at no time was there any danger to the passengers and crew.

The San Gwann can sail in that type of stormy sea and the incident was not as serious as those who are not used to heavy seas have made it out, Mr Saliba had said.

This is how Ms Degaetano described the situation on board:

"Just after leaving Grand Harbour the catamaran, which was rocking vigorously, dug into the rough sea. Seconds later a crashing sound of waves gushing through the boat was heard from the second level where I was seated.

"Two of the eight front windows on the first level were smashed, unable to withstand the sea pressure. Luckily the first four rows were vacant, but the rest of the level was occupied, mostly, by foreign tourists.

"Suddenly, passengers were rushing up to the second level, soaking wet, wearing life jackets and obviously in a terrible state of shock. Most were hysterical as they stepped off the boat".

Mr Saliba had explained that according to the vessel's log book, the window panes developed a crack and then broke, but it was sea spray and not waves that came into the boat, the Virtù Ferries director had said.

The windows are about four metres above the waterline and although the sea was rough it was safe for the catamaran to sail. Virtù Ferries have been operating trips to Sicily for the past 12 years, Mr Saliba stressed.

Ms Degaetano said no one apologised to the passengers.

Foreigners were "rudely" told that their reps will answer for what happened.

"The authorities should look into this matter seriously. What if those windows had broken midway to Sicily?

"What criteria do the owners follow to see whether it is safe for passengers to travel when a gale force warning is announced, as happened on Thursday?" she asked.

The San Gwann, which is three years old is the fastest and best boat on the company's books. Her windows are certified by the builders and Virtù Ferries will be investigating what led to the windows to crack and break and take up the issue with the boat's builders.

The windows were replaced within two to three hours and the San Gwann is 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," Mr Saliba said.