The government has not confirmed whether the findings of inquiry into the disappearance of a tanker that had been placed under an arrest warrant will be made public. The inquiry should be concluded by early next week.

The MT Atlantik managed to sail freely out of Maltese waters as the country was celebrating the 10th anniversary of its accession to the European Union on 8 May. Apparently, no patrol boats were available to make sure it stayed in harbour because they were all tasked with patrolling Grand Harbour during this year’s celebrations.

According to reports, the crew turned off all radio communication when Transport Malta ordered the ship to stop after the court issued a warrant of seizure. The arrest was ordered becasue of a dispute over the ownership of the Marshall Islands registered tanker.

Transport Malta asked the Armed Forces’ maritime squadron to stop the tanker but was told that no patrol boats were available at the time. The case has embarrassed the authorities, with maritime experts noting that the incident has given off the impressioin that Malta is unable to enforce court orders.

Former AFM commander Brigadier Carm Vassallo, who was tasked to lead the inquiry, told this paper last week that the inquiry should be concluded by mid-June, unless unexpected complications arise. When asked if the inquiry findings would be made public, Brigadier Vassallo said the decision was not up to him. “I was only asked to lead the inquiry and I am trying to do so as best I can.”

On the other hand, an OPM spokesman said: “since the inquiry is ongoing it would be premature to comment on its findings and whether it will be published at this stage.” The spokesman said the government is proceeding wth caution and transparency on the matter. “That is the reason why the Prime Minister ordered the inquiry.”