"Ducking hell!" Castle Ferry gets stuck in the sand

Wednesday 25 August 2021

Passengers were evacuated and a digger had to be called in after one of the Castle Ferries got stuck in the sand on its way to Elizabeth Castle this afternoon.

Getting the visitors out of the amphibious vehicle was the easy bit, and fortunately no one was injured.

But digging the ferry out of the literal hole it found itself in was more challenging, with help needed from a trio of specialist services.

Pictured: The stuck ferry could be seen from the Horizon development/Castle Quay area. (Louis Tyler)

A Jersey Heritage spokesperson shed light on the sticky situation: "At approximately 13:00, one of the Castle Ferries got stuck in soft sand en route to Elizabeth Castle.

"All passengers were evacuated without injury and escorted to the Castle to enjoy their visit.

"The Ferry was removed from the sand at approximately 15:00 with the generous assistance of Blandin's, Geomarine and Fabtech Engineering."

Pictured: No one was injured.

They added that the ferry will be "thoroughly inspected to ensure it is fully operational", noting that "an initial investigation suggests no damage done."

Struck by the unusual sight, islanders were quick to snap it and share across social media. One islander posted a photo of the amphibious vehicle being dug out on 'Jersey Parking Fails'.

Although the boats have long since lost the moniker of 'Puddle Duck', going by the name of 'Castle Ferries' for more than 10 years, online commenters were quick to jokily associate the boat with its old name.

Pictured: The ferry has now been lifted out of the sand, with the help of Blandin's, Geomarine and Fabtech Engineering. (Ian Hamon)

One person reacted "ducking hell" to an image of the 'puddle stuck' vehicle, while another summing up the rescue effort remarked: "Quacking job guys."

Others joked that, given its ability to operate on water, the vehicle should have been left until the tide came in, when it should be able to float to safety.