Inquiry labels Captain's allegations as 'untrue'

An independent board of inquiry appointed by the Ministry of Finance has declared as "untrue" allegations made by Capt Mario Grech on safety shortcomings on board the Gozo Channel ferries. Capt Grech was suspended after claiming major safety flaws involving life-saving equipment, emergency training, lack of qualifications of the boatswain and the presence of the potentially-deadly Legionella bacteria in the water supply of three ferries.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Finance said that with regard to a case of Legionella reported by Capt Grech, the company had acted correctly and in line with Dept of Health recommendations.

The inquiry found there was no discrimination against Capt Grech on the allocation of overtime.

The inquiry, however, upheld Capt Grech's claim about the boatswain having held a false certificate. The police were called in over this case and the person who issued the false certificate no longer works with the company. The crewman who benefited has had his promotion withdrawn and has been suspended pending investigations.

The board made a number of recommendations for better controls over shifts, clarification of rest times, stricter controls over ferry loading and new procedures for the engagement of personnel.

The report is to be tabled in Parliament.