Following this morning’s accident on MV Gaudos where no one was injured after a truck toppled over during the 7.30am trip from Cirkewwa, Transport Malta announced it is carrying an investigation into the incident that happened on board a Gozo Channel vessel this morning during a ferry crossing between the islands. 

The authority is in contact with the management of Gozo Channel Co Ltd and the captain of the vessel to ascertain all the facts related to the incident whereby a truck allegedly toppled on its side.  

Meanwhile Gozo Channel said in a statement that the MV Gaudos has now resumed service.

The company is now operating its trips as per schedule.

Gozo Channel said it would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Meanwhile, The Gozo Business Chamber said it is concerned about the latest incident on one of the Gozo ferries.

While the Chamber welcomes the fact that no one was hurt in this incident, it cannot but air its concern over the consequences that may have ensued as result of such an incident.

This incident also highlights the vulnerability of the link, Gozo, as an island, presently enjoys, with the ferries and the need to alternative means of communication, such as the fixed link between the two main islands.  The disruption of the service, regardless of all the efforts of the Gozo Channel, remains the prerogative of many factors which unfortunately cannot be controlled, such as this morning’s incident and the inclement weather. Any sort of disruption whether minimal (late departures) or cancellation of trips causes enormous hardships  to commuters (business persons, students, workers). Not to mention tourists who either want to come to Gozo after a long flight or try to catch a flight back home.  Such disruptions will reflect badly to the island’s image.

The GBC continues to urge the authorities to step-up the necessary ground work, so that, they will be in a position to decide the way forward to better the connectivity between the two islands with a fixed link.

 

Earlier

A truck toppled over on board the Gozo ferry as it travelled in rough seas between Malta and Gozo this morning.

The truck was at the back of the car deck. No one was injured in the accident, which took place at 7.30am. 

The Met Office has warned of a strong wind and rough seas for most of today.