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Cross-Channel ferry passengers stuck at sea in high winds
Ferry passengers have faced more delays and cancellations after adverse weather conditions in the Channel.
Passengers on P&O Ferries ships were stranded outside Dover for several hours on Saturday, waiting to dock as the port operated a ‘one ship in, one ship out’ policy in high winds.
Crossings between Dover and Calais were delayed by up to six hours, with tugs deployed to guide ships into port, P&O Ferries said.
Operators have warned there will be more delays until weather conditions settle.
On Saturday, P&O Ferries said on Twitter: "Due to adverse weather conditions we are now offering a turn up and go service to all passengers until weather improves. We will accommodation you on the first available sailing once you reach check-in. Wait time between check-in and sailing is currently approx 4-5 hrs."
In the early hours of Sunday morning, P&O said wait time between check-in and sailing was up to six hours and warned food and drink at Calais was ‘limited’.
"If you are en route to us we will put you on the first available ship but wait times are up to six hours. Food and drink facilities in Calais are now very limited/empty; please prepare. We sincerely apologise to those waiting with no access to facilities."
Delays of up to 100 minutes are still occurring on the Dover-Calais route, according to P&O.
The ferry operator said on Sunday morning: "We are aware, due to severe weather conditions, our passengers have been heavily affected by delays through the night. Rest assured, we’re sailing our two biggest ships through the night to help resolve the situation. We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience."
Brittany Ferries was forced to cancel some of its cross-Channel services on Friday and Saturday.
The operator’s 09:30 Roscoff-Plymouth service on Sunday morning has been delayed until 15:30, with latest check-in at 13:30, due to ‘adverse weather conditions’.
Brittany Ferries’ Santander to Cork service, due to leave at 12 noon on Sunday, is currently running eight hours behind schedule. Departure will now be at 19:45 and arrival is expected for 21:30 on Monday.
Weather warnings remain in place, with severe yellow warnings for rain covering parts of Scotland and the northeast of England. Forecasters say the UK will see unsettled and changeable weather throughout the next seven days.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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