Hundreds left stranded as faults detain ferry sailing

HUNDREDS of ferry passengers heading to France for Christmas were last night forced to take alternative routes through Britain, after Irish Ferries vessel the MV Normandy was detained at Rosslare Port.

Department of Marine inspectors found several deficiencies in the ship’s operations, including faults with fire fighting arrangements, safety management and crew training.

The Normandy was taken off the Irish shipping register a year ago and is now flagged in the Bahamas. She has a crew mostly of Eastern European seafarers.