Ferry carrying 489 strikes quay

A ferry carrying 489 passengers struck a quay and started to let in water, Thames Coastguard said today.

The Sirena Seaways ferry struck the quay at Parkeston near Harwich in Essex just after midday, but the water it was taking on was “quickly stopped”.

The master of the ferry is currently in talks with engineers, coastguard and the harbour authority about how they will tow the vessel into the harbour.

There are no reported injuries and no reported pollution, Thames Coastguard said.

A spokeswoman for Thames Coastguard said: ``We got contacted just after midday today. We were told that the Sirena Seaways had struck the quay at Parkeston and was taking on water but that was quickly stopped.''

The master of the ferry sorted the water issue, the spokeswoman said.

She added that the master is in talks about how to safely tow the vessel into the harbour.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said that ``no-one is trapped'' and ``there are no casualties'', but said there has been ``damage to the ship under the water line''.

In an incident report, the service said: “Firefighters were sent to assist at the scene while the ship’s own crew plugged the hole from inside and built a compartment with water tight doors to stem the leak as part of regular safety precautions.

“The passengers and their vehicles are still on board but in no danger and the vessel will shortly be re-berthed so that they can continue their journey.”

Meanwhile, Terry Jewell, station officer, said: “This is one of the regular ferries that comes into Harwich and as it docked it hit the side of the quay making a hole under the water line.

“The ship is stable now and we are standing by as a precaution while the vessel is moved so that ramps can come down and passengers can leave.

“The ship’s crew worked swiftly to put their safety plans into practice immediately after the accident happened.”

Sirena Seaways is part of the ferry operator DFDS Seaways which travels to France, Holland and Denmark.

On the company’s website, Sirena Seaways is described as a “modern cruise ship with a real focus on passenger entertainment and comfort” which sails to Denmark.

DFDS Seaways said in a statement: “We can confirm that Sirena Seaways sustained some damage on entering the port at Harwich during today’s scheduled arrival at 12noon UK time.

“This has resulted in the late discharge of the ship. There is no danger to passengers or crew, and we are working hard to disembark the passengers and vehicles from the ferry as quickly as possible.

“We are currently assessing the situation before it is able to resume its service on the Harwich – Esbjerg route.

“We would like to apologise to passengers for any inconvenience caused to their travel plans. We should have further details on the future timings of the service shortly.”