A statement today from the Maritime Administration said the operation of the temporary Taipa Ferry Terminal was not affected despite the liquidation of the sea transport provider Macao Dragon Ferry. The Administration had activated a contingency plan and asked other ferry companies to provide extra capacity if necessary: but there was no need to operate extra ferries. Despite the Maritime Administration having not received a formal notification from Macao Dragon Ferry about its announced liquidation and cease of operation, it would launch an investigation into the company's cease of ferry operations and legal liabilities, the statement said. It said the passenger limit capped on the ferries of the company was determined by the capacity of the temporary Taipa Ferry Terminal and the safety record as the authorities always put priority to the safety of passengers and maritime safety in monitoring maritime transport operations. The Administration had requested the company to reimburse passengers who had purchased tickets, the statement said. A statement by the Consumer Council said that as of 17:00 today, it had received 32 complaint involving 428 ferry tickets valued at about $24,000 patacas. The Council found that most bought their ferry tickets through 'Bee Crazy' and 'Groupon Hong Kong', two internet sites. The two companies assured the Council that passengers would be fully refunded. Affected consumers may contact the council (Tel: 853-89889315) for assistance, the council said. The council would refer the cases to the Consumer Council of Hong Kong if necessary: over the Council of Macao and its Hong Kong counterpart had always maintained good relations on issues of protecting consumer rights.
