`Poor safety' on Med ferries

SAFETY PROCEDURES on one in four European ferries have been labelled "poor" or "very poor" in a survey that highlights lax standards on Mediterranean crossings regularly used by holidaymakers.

The survey listed deficiencies in six out of 23 roll-on roll-off ferries chosen at random, with particular problems identified around the Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia and the Greek Aegean. On one vessel a bow door proved not to be watertight.

The work, conducted by the motoring organisations Alliance Internationale de Tourisme and Federation Internationale de L'Automobile's European Bureau, revealed a big divergence in standards across the European Union. No cross-Channel or Baltic services were criticised.

The worst crossing was said to be on the Ibiza, a ferry with only six crew and up to 250 passengers, operating between Ibiza and Formentera.