Crewman injured on board Irish Ferries vessel

Irish Ferries has claimed that the situation with the MV Normandy is now more critical because, it says, a crewman on the boat has been injured.

Irish Ferries has been told that it will not be able to dock in Rosslare as SIPTU workers there are refusing to handle it.

The company claims that the worker has injured his hand and requires medical attention.

However, International Transport Federation inspector at Rosslare port, Tony Ayton, said that the correct procedure in the case of an injury requiring urgent medical attention is to call the Coastguard for an airlift because of the lengthy docking procedure.

Meanwhile, the company is confirming that it will attend exploratory talks at the Labour Relations Commission tomorrow in a bid to find a solution to the row, which has disrupted weekend ferry services.

A spokesperson said that both sides have been invited back to see if any basis can be found to become involved in further talks.