Passengers brand Swansea to Cork ferry's maiden trip a 'disgrace'
FRUSTRATED ferry passengers labelled the maiden voyage a shambles last night after enduring an anxious wait yesterday evening to see if their boat would haul anchor and set sail.
The Swansea-Cork car ferry finally received the all-clear from maritime inspectors yesterday, but the ship's operator was still unable to confirm yesterday afternoon if the ship was going to leave for Ireland at 9.50pm as scheduled.
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Despite yesterday's uncertainty, Swansea Cork ferry passengers John Wilson, John Glover, Gilbert Miles, Ron Bendall and Trevor Barson are happy to board the MV Julia last night.
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But the ship did make its maiden voyage in the end.
Swansea port owner, Associated British Ports, was expecting to welcome passengers and made preparations as if the MV Julia would depart.
The long-awaited service was supposed to launch on March 1 after a four-year absence, but the ship had not left Swansea after being beset by delays. Operator Fastnet Line has issued messages of thanks to disappointed customers after canceling sailings, but is facing criticism for keeping others in the dark.
Pontarddulais Rugby Club stalwart Gilbert Miles, who was desperate to sail with four friends on last night's crossing, said he hadn't heard a peep from Fastnet Line yesterday afternoon.
One of his pals even drove down to the docks yesterday to try to get a heads-up on what was happening.
Mr Miles said he understood delays happened, but described the lack of communication as shambolic.
Speaking yesterday afternoon, he said: "It's a disgrace.
"We're trying to make arrangements. If it doesn't go, we're heading to Fishguard for the Rosslare ferry. But unless you know, you can't book. It's a total and utter shambles,"
Mr Miles' group had booked their trip some time ago, with 15 other friends travelling to Ireland by plane. They plan to watch the Six Nations match in Dublin on Saturday and return from Ireland on Tuesday.
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency told the Post that the MV Julia, which can carry 1,800 passengers and 400 cars, was given the all-clear to sail yesterday.
An agency spokesman said there were "a couple of minor defects" but that they could be sorted out over the next fortnight without affecting the ship's operations.
Mr Miles hoped the Ireland- Wales clash at Croke Park would be a happier affair but, like with the ferry, he was reluctant to make predictions.
He said: "I always go for the draw — I get 20-1 (odds)!"
richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk
18 Comments
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by Poo-litical, Swansea
Sunday, March 14 2010, 8:47PM
“Steve, swansea, look on the brightside, Gordon Brown isn't the Captain of the MV Julia, David Cameron isn't (Gordon's) First Mate nor Nick Clogg (sorry Clegg) the Entertainment Officer!”
by SMD, Typical Again!
Friday, March 12 2010, 12:14PM
“Steve, Swansea
Yes I can read but take the point made as it echoes others indicated below. The maiden voyage had problems but it really is unfair to tar the whole operation with the same brush and focus forever on the negatives. Shoddy behavior happens every day - remember the barrier "fiasco" at the Millennium Stadium when that opened? Lets not try and get too dramatic about it shall we and throw the baby out with the bathwater!
The lack of communication was the issue and I am sure this will not be repeated. I for one am very happy that we have this vital link in the city and will continue to focus on the bounty of opportunites this could bring to both Cork and Swansea. I don't think they would have brought back the service if there was no need for it or a fantastic campaign to get it set back up put in motion on both sides of the Irish Sea. I hope this goes from strength to strength its positive for our city in the long run even if the start was shaky. I just wish more people had positive things to say about our city instead of whining all the time.”
by Arthur, Portmead Swansea
Thursday, March 11 2010, 10:11PM
“Yet another Joke scheme to heap more embarrassment. for the City of Swansea.
Are we Jinxed or what you have the Highest restaurant in Wales and all we here from that is problems.
It looks like we are turning into a joke city.”
by Steve, swansea
Thursday, March 11 2010, 8:52PM
“anon, anon - I understand that lots of people have spent a lot of time, effort and money getting this ferry going. What I don't understand is why they appear to be unable to communicate properly with their customers and potential customers.
There is more to running a business than putting in a lot of effort. It appears to me that they don't really care about their customers. This seems to be standard practice in the UK.
Judging by the article, their service is a disgrace (unless everyone is lying). This suggests that it's not being professionally run (though I may be wrong).
I don't understand why some on here think there should be praised for what appears to be a shoddy service so far. Yes, they have had teething problems, but why haven't they kept customers informed.
If they want to run a service like this they have to take criticism
when things go wrong.
Are you saying we should ignore all this and just heap praise on them? How is that going to help? If we did that then we'd have a bunch of really shoddy businesses in this country/ Businesses that provide substandard service should be named and shamed. That is a way to get them to improve their service.
The reason I think this will fail is nothing to do with the way it is run. I just don't think there is enough demand for this service.”
by anon, anon
Thursday, March 11 2010, 6:14PM
“re steve
give it a rest before someone sues you.
lots of people have spent a lot of time, effort and money getting this ferry going.”