The operator of a catamaran that was escorted back to shore by Transport Malta on Saturday insists she did not break any COVID-19 rules during the excursion. Pictures on social media showing dozens of people lining up to board the Sea Bird at Buġibba caused outrage amid a ban on boat parties that has been in place since August. However, the boat's operator Stephanie Hulme said the outing was not a party but was instead a "simple boat trip" and that she fully respected all social distancing regulations to keep her crew and passengers safe. “I played it entirely by the book and I went beyond what was expected of us," she told Times of Malta. "All the people on board were socially distanced and all COVID-19 regulations were strictly adhered to. I even had double the crew on board to make sure all rules were respected." In August, a legal notice banned "all organised boat parties" and anyone found guilty of breaking the law can be fined €3,000 on conviction. When the rule was announced, Health Minister Chris Fearne said harbour cruises would still be allowed, subject to social distancing measures. Before mass events were banned entirely this week, they were restricted to 100...