The Malta Maritime Authority has asked the Police Commissioner to investigate what could have led to a breakdown in the pilot launch Merhba, the only launch owned by the authority serving the port of Valletta.

Two authority launches used to serve the port, the Merhba and the Welcome, both operated by the Mooring Corps. But the Welcome stopped operating in January 2006, declared beyond economic repair.

In December, 2005 the Merhba was given a general overhaul and has since been withdrawn on several occasions because of engine breakdowns.

The authority said that yesterday the Merhba had another breakdown, which prompted it to call on the Police Commissioner to investigate.