Trapped ferry passengers 'in good spirits'

Around 50 passengers and 20 crew stuck on a ferry in Belfast dock from Liverpool have shown remarkable composure, the company responsible claimed today.

A spokesman for Norse Merchant Ferries said they were doing everything to ensure that passengers and crew on the Lagan Viking would be able to leave the ship by mid-afternoon at the latest.

The vessel left Birkenhead at around 2.20pm with 20 cars on board and also lorries.

It docked in Belfast last night at 10.30pm but crew were unable to open the doors.

The Norse Merchant spokesman said: “There are seven locking bars on the door of the vessel.

“One of them failed to totally disengage and we have tried all night to open it but we have had to call in a team from Harland and Wolff shipyard with special equipment.

“They are setting up the equipment as we speak.”

The spokesman said crew opened up cabins on the vessel which was built in 1997 to enable passengers on board to get some sleep.

They also provided passengers with food and opened bars.

“We have been keeping everybody on board the vessel completely informed about what is going on and can only apologise,” he said.

“The passengers have understandably been asking questions but they have been remarkably calm and composed and in good spirits.

“However I am sure that they are anxious to get off.”