Portsmouth ferry passengers still stuck on board
Ferry Online Travel News 17/06/2010
Authorities are still trying to free 62 passengers stuck on a ferry after a fire on board.
The passengers and crew of the Commodore Clipper remain stuck on the ferry in Portsmouth harbour after fire broke out while the vehicle ferry was travelling from Jersey. The fire has made it too dangerous for the 62 passengers and 39 crew members to exit the ship in the normal manner, via the vehicle deck, and the Commodore Clipper is not designed to use the passenger scissor lift used by other vessels.
Condor Ferries, which runs the ferry service, said the Commodore Clipper is not in its usual berth in the port. Passengers would normally leave the ship in a minibus but the vehicle is still being cleared after the fire. Both the ferry company and Hampshire Fire Service said it was not yet safe for passengers to leave the ship.
On onboard fire suppression system designed to stop fire from spreading between vehicles was activated but the fire flared up again before it was contained. Authorities are continuing efforts to clear vehicles, soot, smoke and water from vehicle decks so passengers can safely leave the ship.
Services using the Commodore Clipper have been cancelled. An extra high-speed ferry service has been implemented for the Portsmouth to the Channel Islands route. Passengers scheduled to travel on the Commodore Clipper should contact Condor Ferries for alternative travel arrangements.
← Uncertainty about funding for Penzance ferry | Index | Ferry firms angry at wasted Dover port privatisation talks →