Irish Ferries yesterday admitted that damage to the Saint Killian ferry was more serious than initially thought, following what the company called a "grounding incident" in Cork Harbour last Monday. Passengers for France are being re-routed through Britain while internal repairs to the framework of the ferry is carried out in Liverpool.
First reports said that only the paintwork had been damaged. A company spokesman said yesterday, however, that the framework had been bent. He stressed that the hull was intact and that the ferry had not been holed. A decision was taken with safety inspectors from the Department of the Marine to repair the ferry, although there was no immediate danger to passengers.
Passengers travelling to France are being taken via Pembroke, in Wales. The ferries from the south of England to France are busy and some passengers are being taken to alternative French ports.
Irish Ferries says passengers from France to Ireland have no problem getting ferries to England and from there to Rosslare.
The Saint Killian can hold around 1,500 passengers, and sails from Rosslare to France every second day in summer.
Another Irish Ferries vessel, the Saint Patrick, has been for sale since last year and cannot be brought into service as its passenger ship certificate has expired.
Industry sources expect the 24-year-old Saint Killian may be replaced next year as it is unlikely to be brought up to new International Maritime Organisation safety standards.
Irish Ferries said yesterday it hoped to resume normal services between Ireland and France on Tuesday In the meantime passengers will continue to be re-routed through Britain.