Passengers left high and dry as Swansea to Cork ferry launch is scuppered
THE Swansea-Cork ferry has hit choppy waters — three days before its inaugural sailing.
Irish operator Fastnet Line has cancelled the eagerly-anticipated St David's Day crossing, with Wednesday's and Thursday's services also called off.
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The new ferry
It alleged that refit problems at Swansea docks were to blame, and staff were busy contacting passengers yesterday afternoon to break the news.
"We regret to advise that Fastnet Line's MV Julia sailings scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Thursday have been cancelled," said a company spokeswoman.
The firm claimed "technical difficulties in completing the refit works" at Swansea docks were responsible for the delay.
A spokesman for the marine engineers carrying out the work, Harris Pye Group, said they were unaware of any problems or consequences from its work.
All passengers affected will be given the choice of an alternative sailing date or a full refund.
Philip Jones, of Pastoral Way, Sketty, planned to be on the inaugural sailing from Cork at 11pm on Monday.
The radio enthusiast was hoping to broadcast from the MV Julia with friends during the eight-hour crossing, but claimed maritime authorities in Ireland pulled the plug.
"I was sick as a dog," said the 61-year-old. "I would've given my left or right arm to go on it, I tell you."
His predicament pre- dated yesterday's announcement, but he was worried there may be a delay because his friends in Cork kept asking him when the ferry was leaving Swansea. The vessel arrived at the city on January 31 for inspections and refit work, including a new children's play area and four deluxe cabins.
Marine engineers Harris Pye Group are also putting the finishing touches to a £20million overhaul of a Saga Group cruise liner at the docks.
Its £6.9million cost was part-funded by businesses in Ireland and Wales, which were keen to see the resumption of the service after it ceased just over three years ago. Prices per sailing are £18 for foot passengers, and £89 upwards for car drivers.
Fastnet Line said it has 3,000 bookings, and will provide more details about sailings early next week.
The Post asked the Maritime and Coastguard Agency if there had been any issues with mandatory inspections, but it couldn't comment at the time of going to press.
richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk
5 Comments
by Silverfox, Swansea
Tuesday, March 02 2010, 6:33PM
“The fare for foot passengers is £18 out and £18 back plus a £15 each way "seat charge". That's £66 per person return..!! You do the math... I hope I'm wrong but my gut feeling is this is doomed to fail”
by Steve, Swansea
Sunday, February 28 2010, 10:31PM
“Just what you'd expect from a Swansea business. A totally ameuterish effort.
paul, swansea - article says it's £18 for foot passengers, so if there are 3 of you the total should be £54. I presume this is a single fare though, so probably £108 for the return. How come you were quoted £300? What exactly did you ask to book?
I can't see why anyone would want to sail for 8 hours when they can get the by plane in an hour or so.”
by ian, ssea
Sunday, February 28 2010, 2:20PM
“the julia didn't seem to go into the dry dock until very late on so maybe they just cut it too fine to start sailing on march 1st”
by B Quick, Swansea
Sunday, February 28 2010, 8:56AM
“Its bound to fail because councillor Holley and his cronies are supporting it.
God help them.”
by paul, swansea
Saturday, February 27 2010, 11:06PM
“i went to book a day trip to cork on the new julia for my family of 3 sailing on a friday night and coming back on the saturday evening and could not believe how much the fare was nearly 300 pounds ,i hope this service will survive and lower there prices so more people will travel ,as it would be cheaper to fly from cardiff airport”