Strike hit SeaFrance services still suspended

SeaFrance sailings between Dover and Calais remained suspended today as an Easter strike continued into its fifth day.

The French ferry company was forced to cancel sailings from Friday due to a dispute.

Members of the CFDT union walked out in a row over new working practices.

The company said sailings would continue to be suspended until 20.00 tonight (Tuesday).

A notice on its website said SeaFrance "profusely apologises" to customers affected.

"The advice is to arrive as normal and SeaFrance will transfer you to the first available crossing with an alternative operator," the company said.

The company normally runs up to 19 crossings a day on the short sea channel route.

*SeaFrance managing director Robin Wilkins has been appointed chairman of Discover Ferries which promotes travel by ferry as part of the Passenger Shipping Association.

The renamed Discover Ferries group represents 15 ferry brands, which carry 40 million travellers a year.

His appointment comes ahead of National Ferry Fortnight, which takes place on May 8-22 May.

Wilkins said: "I’ve always been a strong believer that the quality, pleasure and convenience of ferry travel isn’t appreciated widely enough, so Discover Ferries really defines our objective.

"The major operators are joining together to promote ferry travel to a whole new generation who haven’t yet discovered that there is often a more convenient and enjoyable alternative to flying…and better value too."

by Phil Davies