Malta praised by international lawyer after cruise liner tragedy

Malta was praised by a top US maritime lawyer for “standing up to the cruise industry” following Sunday’s tragedy onboard the Malta-registered Thomson Majesty. Jim Walker,  said Malta had shown “professionalism and integrity in enforcing International Maritime Organisation regulations” since the accident. Although the liner was given permission by a judge to depart at 3pm on Monday, the ship was delayed further pending safety approval from the flag State Malta because it was short of one lifeboat. Thomson cancelled the cruise on Tuesday, citing the “absence of a guaranteed departure time” despite ongoing discussions with the “relevant authorities”. Full story in The Times