'We are ready to cope with bad weather' says ferry boss

By khelyer

CONCERNS about the capability of the Fast Cat vessels to cope with the Ilfracombe to Swansea ferry crossing have been addressed by Severn Link chairman Chris Marrow.

The Journal's story on the announcement of the ferry link last week, prompted a barrage of concerns voiced on this website.

The Fast Cats which will run across the Bristol Channel have been purchased from the Isle of Wight service, but Derek Gawn, from Ireland said he had lived on the Isle of Wight for some time and his experience was that anything more than "a slight blow" would mean the ferry was suspended to avoid the bad weather, or replaced by a car ferry.

In his website comment he said: "I lived for 48 years on the Isle of Wight. I have been in the Merchant Navy. I have worked on passenger ships. I know the sea. I know all about the Solent, where these vessels have been running. I have travelled on these two vessels.

"When they operated between the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth their reliability was almost laughable — and that was a 4.5 mile trip in semi-sheltered waters. What on earth will a 20-plus mile trip across a very exposed stretch of water be like?

"It will be great on the best days of the summer, but the chance of running on bad days or in the winter will be pretty slim. Don't get me wrong, it's a great idea — but the wrong vessels."

Chris Marrow, chairman of Severn Link, said: "Yes, there will be times when it is too bumpy for a crossing, but you're going to get that whatever the vessel. The alternative is simple — no ferry.

"We are all professional sea-farers and we are consulting with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

"The Fast Cats do have good sea-keeping qualities, but none-the-less these are 40m vessels and we are aware of the fact that they will sometimes be weather limited.

"But we are still discussing the limitations with the MCA. The vessels can cope up to a certain level, but after that they won't sail, but that's true of any ferry.

"The problems these vessels had at the Isle of Wight weren't to do with conditions out at sea, but primarily with what they were like at Ryde Pier, where they were often unable to land."

He added: "Our main concern is that we won't strand anyone. Day-trippers will be refunded and anyone who is planning a holiday will be offered an alternative journey by coach — it won't be what they hoped for, but at least they won't be stranded."

Mr Marrow said sea trials in the Bristol Channel would be carried out in the coming weeks, with the MCA.

The first ferry is due to make the crossing around Easter-time next year.