Safety fears raised as P&O Ferries replaces seafarers with agency workers

Safety fears have been raised over the decision by P&O Ferries to sack 800 seafarers with no notice and replace them with cheaper agency workers (Danny Lawson/PA)

Safety fears have been raised over the decision by P&O Ferries to sack 800 seafarers with no notice and replace them with cheaper agency workers.

Trade union Nautilus International, which represents some of those fired, urged the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to “make sure the ships are safe” as the new crews are “unfamiliar” with the vessels and routes.