Ferry forced to return to port

The HSS Stena Explorer is awaiting repair

An Irish Sea ferry had to turn back to port after a wave damaged the ship's hull.

The Stena fast ferry HSS Explorer, carrying 400 passengers, returned to the Holyhead on Thursday after sustaining damage 30 minutes into its journey to Ireland.

Stena Line said that the ferry returned to port as a precaution and the passengers were not in any danger.

Two sailings were cancelled on Friday while the ship awaited repair.

The 1345 BST and the 1830 BST Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire crossings were cancelled and Stena Line warned that more sailings would be affected over the weekend.

The company added that passengers would be moved to other crossings.

The HSS Explorer is currently in Holyhead awaiting repair.

The damage to the boat was caused 30 minutes into the sailing from Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire.

'Quite frightening'

Passenger Alison Evans, from Bala, who was travelling with a choir for a singing competition in Ireland, told BBC Wales: "By the time we were half way across, the sea become quite rough.

"There was this enormous wave, apparently, which made a hole in the front of the vessel.

"(We were) not scared as such, but it was quite frightening and unsettling in that we didn't know what was happening next."

Captain Wyn Parry, the Holyhead Port Manager, said the ferry returned to port as a precaution and so an assessment of the damage could be made.

The ferry had to return to the Port of Holyhead

The passengers were taken to Ireland on a later sailing.

In a statement, Stena Line said: "Following the 08:55 departure from Holyhead, the Stena Explorer sustained some minor damage, on passage, approximately 30 minutes out of port to its upper forward section.

"Whilst there was no risk to the vessel or persons on board, the captain decided to return to Holyhead Port to enable a full assessment of the repairs to be carried out.

"There were no injuries to passengers or crew."

The company added that Irish Sea services would continue to be affected while the Explorer awaited repair.

A spokesman said: "We are currently accessing the situation with regard to the HSS Stena Explorer and the craft will remain out of service for the present.

"In the meantime, we are transferring passengers to our other Irish Sea services.

"Our telesales staff are currently contacting all passengers who are affected to make alternative arrangements.

"Passengers who are booked to travel on the Holyhead-Dun Laoghaire route over the next few days are advised to call reservations on 08705 707070 or Ferrycheck on 08705 755755 for up-to-date information on arrivals and departures."