No one was injured as persons who were travelling to Gozo on board the fast ferry had to evacuate the vessel after a large sound was heard, followed by plumes of thick smoke.

At around 4:30pm police was informed that the fast ferry San Frangisk, operated by Virtu Ferries, stopped its journey in the middle of the sea near the coast of Ghajnsielem.

A police spokesperson told The Malta Independent that the Civil Protection Department and an ambulance went on site, but there were no injuries and all passengers were evacuated.

Police investigations are still ongoing as to what caused the smoke, with the spokesperson saying that it seems that the smoke came from the engine room, and it was contained shortly after.