Updated | Prime Minister says 'conflicting reports' on MT Altantik escape

The Prime Minister has ordered an inquiry to find out how an oil tanker, whose crew had been slapped with an arrest warrant, sailed freely out of Maltese waters unchallenged.

The inquiry will be led by former AFM commander Karmenu Vassallo.

In a statement issued by the Department of Information, the Office of the Prime Minister said the inquiry should establish how the tanker got away after it was “reported” that an arrest warrant had been issued.

No statement by the Ministry for National Security was issued because "more than one entity was involved".

"I called for the inquiry [as opposed to Minister Manuel Mallia] because more than one ministry is involved. Transport Malta, for example, is responsible of the Harbour," Muscat said in reply to questions by MaltaToday.

He went on to add that there were "conflicting reports" on the location of the oil tanker when it was ordered to drop anchor and about the time the court order was issued.

"I do not want to cast any shadows on the news report but there is conflicting information on the matter. The former AFM commander has been asked to investigate the matter and ascertain the facts. In fact, I have instructed full access to the information he would require."

According the Sunday Times, MT Atlantik turned off all radio communication when Transport Malta ordered it to drop anchor after the court ordered a warrant of seizure.

The newspaper said the Armed Forces of Malta “could not intervene as its boats were deployed in the Grand Harbour”. The incident happened on the night when Malta was celebrating its 10th year anniversary since EU accession.

The Prime Minister’s call for an inquiry follows a statement by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi who urged the government to be transparent over the incident.

Azzopardi hit out at the “government’s interference” in the AFM as having now “ridiculed” the AFM.

“It is clear that the promotions to the Labour core and vindictive transfers have marred the AFM. This is what happens when a government throws away experience and competence to accommodate friends,” he said.

Azzopardi also called on the government to explain why neighbouring countries were not asked to assist in the search and capture of the 150-metre long tanker.

“The government must now explain how it can be credible it was guarding out national security when the AFM was being led by incompetent persons.”

Azzopardi also questioned what guarantees the country has on whether boats smuggling drugs or contraband stuff were being detected when the same AFM failed in stopping a tanker from leaving Maltese waters.