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“He’s reversing now, oh my god”: Watch the moments after the crash as passengers film the ferry trying to pull away from Jersey’s harbour ramp and debris sprays across the ship’s stern. Footage courtesy of Marcin Mielcarek
The ferry operator DFDS has cancelled some of its services after one of its vessels crashed into St Helier’s Elizabeth Harbour.
The Tarifa Jet, which can carry up to 769 passengers and 145 vehicles, had sailed from Saint-Malo and was docking in Jersey on Sunday evening (29 March) when it hit the port’s east berth loading ramp.
Passengers reported hearing a loud bang and ITV News understands that the crash caused the ferry to temporarily lose power.
Jersey’s main harbour is still operational, although the east berth is closed.
Investigations into what happened are continuing, with the east berth of St Helier’s Elizabeth Harbour currently out of action. Credit: Peter Goodchild
It is unclear how many people were on board at the time, but DFDS says no customers or crew were injured and they all disembarked safely.
The 6:55pm return sailing from Jersey to Saint-Malo was cancelled on Sunday and there has been further disruption on Monday, with no ferries to or from France.
The company adds: “Passengers are advised not to travel to the port at this time.
“A further update will be sent directly to affected passengers. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Passengers reported hearing a loud bang and saw damage to the boat’s rear end, with metal safety railings bent backwards. Credit: Peter Goodchild
The ferry operator says: “During Sunday evening’s arrival into St Helier harbour, Tarifa Jet made contact with the ferry berth, resulting in some damage to the stern.
“DFDS officials are working with port authorities and carrying out an inspection of the vessel.”
A spokesperson from Ports of Jersey adds: “Specialist teams, including the local dive team and confined space entry team, are carrying out detailed inspections.
“The west berth remains fully operational.
“An investigation will take place with the operator and the vessel’s flag state to understand the cause of the incident.”
The Tarifa Jet is around 86 metres long and is designated as a high-speed craft, with a top rate of 42 knots. Credit: ITV Channel
The disruption has affected hundreds of passengers, with many more concerned in the run-up to the busy Easter period.
Jersey College for Girls has cancelled its European ski trip after its sailing was cancelled on Monday morning.
In an email to parents, headteacher Peter Marett says: “We are sorry this has happened and we know how disappointed the students will be.
“We will now work our way through the process of claims and organise refunds. We trust that you can bear with us whilst we do this.”
The weekend marked a year since DFDS started a two-decade contract to run Jersey’s passenger and freight services.
The company has faced a number of challenges with one of its ferries, the Caesarea Trader, already out of action due to a major fire last month and growing frustration over freight prices, as politicians make 21 recommendations to improve the service.
DFDS Jersey Route Director Chris Parker responds to concerns over resilience, pricing and routes. This was filmed on Friday 27 March, before the Tarifa Jet crash
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