This Is Guernsey

By Tom Edwards

HD FERRIES’ collision with Condor is being investigated by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. The HD1 was attempting to turn around when it struck the Condor Express while it was loading passengers and cars in St Helier.

The former was left with several large holes above the waterline and has been forced to cancel all its sailings until the end of the week.

Jersey’s Economic Development minister Phillip Ozouf called in the MAIB.

HD Ferries’ technical managers and marine crew are provided by Northern Marine Management, which is part of the Stena group.

A spokesman said the company would cooperate with all parties involved in the investigation as well as holding an internal enquiry.

‘Any incident is a serious one and we take it very seriously, particularly when there are passengers involved.

‘Luckily, there were no injuries and no pollution.

‘We have enormous experience in dealing with all these vessels.

‘As far as we are aware, there is no connection between this incident and the previous collision.’

It was the second time the two operators have collided since HD Ferries starting services to France in March.

The MAIB confirmed it was conducting a full investigation into the latest collision on behalf of the Jersey government, but could not comment further.

Condor general sales and marketing manager Nick Dobbs could not discuss the investigation but did say passenger numbers were up.

‘Following the incident we have noticed a considerable upturn in bookings,’ he said.

‘A significant amount of people have come to us, which indicates they are concerned about their forthcoming travel arrangements and are not prepared to wait it out.’

But there were a number of reports of delays to Condor services from passengers travelling on Sunday.

Mr Dobbs said that had been due to ‘operational changes’ and the situation had been resolved quickly.

‘On Sunday we had cause to do some rescheduling due to a minor technical problem with the Condor Vitesse,’ he said.

‘Passengers would have experienced slight delays, but our ability to recover from the situation was due to the alternative vessels we have.’