Update 19.12.18 @ 09:00: P&O Ferries sailings between Larne and Cairnryan resumed with the 04:00 departures from both ports this morning. There have been unconfirmed reports that some drivers were illegally asleep in their cabs when the incident happened and thus got trapped by the damage. Competitor Stena Line appear to have been involved in helping clear the damaged vehicles with Stena Line Ports branded forklift trucks (from nearby Loch Ryan Port) photographed on the scene lifting wreckage.
Update 18.12.18 @11:10: P&O Ferries have now cancelled all sailings between Larne and Cairnryan until further notice. If you planned to travel, please contact P&O Ferries directly.
Emergency services were called out to Cairnryan Harbour this morning to meet EUROPEAN CAUSEWAY after several vehicles tipped over while she was at sea. Photographs and video posted on Facebook indicate that several articulated lorries have tipped over on the vehicle decks, while some damage also appears to have been caused in the passenger accommodation areas. However, it appears that there have been no injuries with all people onboard accounted for.
“We can confirm that an incident took place on the European Causeway this morning.
“In extreme weather conditions, a number of vehicles have moved position on the decks causing damage onboard. “
All passengers and crew are safely accounted for, there are no reports of injuries and the emergency services are in attendance.”
P&O Ferries statement
Shortly after 07:40 a number of vehicles overturned on the P&O Ferry while sailing from Larne to Cairnryan. Emergency services attended. The ferry is now docked safely. 6 vehicles tipped over onto their side. All passengers and crew are safe and there are no injuries.
— BorderPolicingScot (@polscotbpc) December 18, 2018
“”At 7.42am this morning Police Scotland received reports that a number of vehicles had overturned on the P&O European Causeway ferry while sailing from Larne to Cairnryan.
Police Scotland
“A number of passengers were reported unaccounted for at that time.
“A multi-agency response was implemented and emergency services attended Cairnryan Port awaiting the ferry.
“We have since been able to confirm that all 52 passengers and 56 crew on board are safe and well.
“The incident remains ongoing and further updates will follow.
“However, we wish to reiterate at this time all passengers and crew are accounted for and safe and well.”
‘Major incident’ declared on Larne to Cairnryan ferry https://t.co/tWy5te0MKt
— BorderPolicingScot (@polscotbpc) December 18, 2018
BBC News report: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-46604175
Scottish Sun news report: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/scottish-news/3638732/cairnryan-ferry-larne-stranraer-po/
