Gusts Of Wind Blow Ferry Back Onto Moorings

Gale force winds have prevented a passenger ferry from leaving Holyhead, on the Isle of Anglesey.

The gusts of wind were so strong that the vessel Jonathan Swift was blown back onto its berth as it tried to leave for Dublin from Holyhead and the 650 passengers had to disembark as a precaution.

A spokesman for Irish Ferries said replacement services would take the passengers on to their destination throughout the day.

"Just as she was leaving the berth at Holyhead she was caught by a gust of wind and blown back in. She was only yards off the berth and the ropes had been loosened," the spokesman said.

A statement on Irish Ferries' website said: "Irish Ferries would like to advise that due to technical problems our HSC fast ferry Jonathan Swift at 14.30 and 17.15 hrs has been cancelled.

"All passengers could be accommodated on our MV Ulysses at 20.55 hrs. Irish Ferries would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Posted in: UK