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Condor’s £50 million new ferry was damaged on just its second day of service, and is going to be out of action for a few days for repairs.
The new 102m fast-ferry struck the quay in Guernsey on Saturday while trying to berth in high winds after crossing the Channel from Poole. The ship’s onward journey to Jersey was cancelled - Condor had already cancelled yesterday's sailing over a bad weather forecast.
Condor say that the vessel will be out of action while the damage is fixed in the UK, but that the repairs will not take more than a few days.
In a statement, the ferry operator said: "Condor Liberation has suffered minor damage above the waterline, as a result of landing heavily against fenders as she berthed in St Peter Port in high winds."
“On arrival in St Peter Port, Condor Liberation attempted to dock on Berth 2 but high winds prevented this, so the decision was taken to change to Berth 1,” said Captain Fran Collins, Executive Director – Operations at Condor Ferries.
“While manoeuvring onto Berth 1 in strong winds, the ferry landed heavily against a fender, causing minor damage to the protective belting. As a result of this, Condor Liberation will return to Poole for repairs, which are expected to take only a couple of days. In the meantime, Commodore Clipper will provide passenger services between the UK and the Channel Islands. All affected passengers are being advised of the changes to their sailings.”
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