Vindication of Manx SPC crew 'ignored' says CEO

Woodward says 'misunderstandings' over Covid isolation lie with government

Responsibility for 'misunderstandings' with Covid-19 isolation for ferry crew lies with government and not the Steam Packet.  

In a statement issued today the company's chief executive says 'considerable discrepancies' between the documents required, under regulations, and those actually issued were 'troubling'. 

It follows a 94-page report, conducted by Treasury's audit division, into the so-called 'Steam Packet related Covid cluster'.  

Mark Woodward says he feels the report was 'well-executed' and 'fair' but added that he's disappointed that 'very clear vindication of the crew appears to have been ignored'.  

He said it was 'troubling' that the health minister had declared 'very clear' corporate direction notices had been issued for Manx based crew, working during the pandemic, and that the company was in breach of it.

The impact of those accusations, Mr Woodward, says has been 'considerable' adding: "It is my firm belief that the company and the crew, in particular, are owed an apology for these statements." 

Discussing the issuing of legal documentation Mr Woodward said there was confusion at senior minister level suggestive of a 'lack of understanding' of legal requirements adding: "The responsibilities for these discrepancies and misunderstandings clearly lie within government not the Steam Packet Company."  

Mr Woodward also adds that despite working in unprecedented circumstances he feels a lack of prioritisation shown towards the Steam Packet during the pandemic was 'somewhat baffling'.