Cork-Swansea ferry bids to fix problem

THE Fastnet Line has been forced to fly in engineering experts from Amsterdam to help fix a problem which has led to the ferry taking far longer to ply the Cork-Swansea route.

According to the company’s acting chief executive, Padraig O’Kane, a clutch on one of the Julia’s four engines started to give trouble last Saturday evening.

As a result the 28-year-old ship was forced to reduce power following its departure from Swansea last Sunday night and didn’t arrive into Ringaskiddy until 2.30am yesterday — four hours behind schedule.

Travel times were changed as a result and the ferry is scheduled to depart Cork at 4am today, arriving in Swansea 4pm instead of the normal 9am.

“We will be back to normal sailing times by Thursday,” Mr O’Kane said.

Meanwhile, he revealed good news for rugby fans.

The ferry company has reversed its sailing times for the Munster v Scarlets match on December 10 so that Munster supporters will be able to enjoy a two-night stay in Wales.

In addition, the company has reversed its sailing schedule for the Six Nations clash in Dublin on February 6 next to facilitate Welsh fans coming over for the match.