The loading ramp of one of the Gozo Ferries malfunctioned this morning, leaving passengers stranded on board for more than an hour.

The vessel, MV Malita, had to leave its berth and turn around for cars and passengers to be able to disembark.

The incident could not have come at a worse time for Gozo Channel as it prepares to deal with the influx of Maltese people who cross over to Gozo for the Easter Holidays.

Maundy Thursday is usually an exceptionally busy day for the company as it is the start of a long weekend for many Maltese people who have a residence on the sister island.

Gozo Channel's other two vessels are operating on a shuttle service, but the lack of use of the third vessel will hinder the company's operations.

Photo: Charles Azzopardi Refalo