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.

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