Ferry docked over safety concern

SAILINGS of the Newhaven cross-Channel ferry Dieppe were cancelled this week when inspectors discovered potential fire risks in the engine room.

The ferry was detained in Newhaven on Monday afternoon by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) after a surprise inspection.

Defects included general poor engine room cleanliness, oil leaks, a faulty emergency fire pump, oil buckets blocking shaft spaces and fire protection insulation lacking between the engine room and a passenger area.

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MCA inspector Bryan Hopkins said: 'The oil leaks posed a significant fire hazard.'

After initial repairs the ferry was allowed to set sail for France on Tuesday for a thorough maintenance overhaul. However, a Prevention of Operations Notice was placed on the ferry banning it from carrying passengers until it was given a clean bill of health by the MCA.

Mr Hopkins said a 'good deal of work' was needed to the ferry's internal safety management system to ensure it was run safely and to strict guidelines. He added: 'If they have all those other problems they cannot have a functioning system.'

Passengers due to travel on the Dieppe this week were given sailings on Transmanche's other ferry, the Sardinia Vera.

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This is the second time Transmanche has run into trouble with the MCA. In December last year the Sardinia Vera, which runs in tandem with the Dieppe on the Newhaven/Dieppe route, was detained. It was found to have leaking bow doors, the crew lacked essential fire and emergency drill proficiency, and there was free access to the car decks while the ship was at sea.

Transmanche Newhaven operations manager Steve Forrest said the ferry was checked and maintained regularly. But he added: 'When the MCA visited the ship they were not satisfied with the cleanliness and that is why a big clean-up is going on at the moment.

'I am sure when the MCA visits again they will give the all-clear to sail. I am extremely positive the ship will be back for the weekend.'

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