Shropshire Star

Port of Calais operating again after stricken ferry is refloated

Tugboats struggled to refloat the Pride of Kent during the heavy winds.

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A tug boat tries to tow The Pride of Kent ferry, in Calais (AP)

The Port of Calais in France has reopened after a passenger ferry ran aground in heavy winds.

A total of 316 people, including 208 passengers, are reported to have been on board the P&O ship which has since been refloated.

The incident happened as the region was hit by 75mph winds during Storm Ana.

Video clips posted online show tugboats struggling to refloat the Pride of Kent during the heavy winds.

(AP)
(AP)

A P&O spokesman said no-one was injured and the passengers were transferred to another vessel.

He said: “We can confirm that one of our ships ran aground whilst leaving the Port of Calais.

“There are no reported injuries, the ship was refloated within two hours.”

P&O Ferries Updates posted on Twitter at about 5.45pm on Sunday: “#POCalais and #PODover: We are happy to tell you that #POCalais is reopened now, all teams are working hard to get you on your way Asap.”

(AP)
(AP)

Some passengers posted on social media their frustration at delays to their journey back to the UK.

Joanna Quinn posted: “@POferriesupdate this is not ok. We have been on the Pride of Kent since 1205. How much longer till I can get on a ferry home.”

However, Pritchard_91 posted: “Great working getting the #PrideOfKent back into the Port just spoke to my parents who are on-board, who’ve been very well looked after by staff and are being booked into a Hotel in Calais to attempt travel home tomorrow!

“Great work in challenging circumstances!”

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