sailorman
Well-known member
A lifeboat has been launched after a ferry carrying 400 people struck the dock in Harwich, Essex, as it berthed.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the Sirena Seaways vessel listing to its port side in Parkeston Quay after the accident.
Eric Chalmers, who is at the scene, said the ferry was "only just" upright in the water.
Essex Fire and Rescue Service said no-one was trapped and there had been no injuries but the vessel had been holed below the water line.
Mr Chalmers said: "I heard a horrible, really loud crumpling, thundery noise.
"I snapped my head around and there she is, ploughing straight into the docks bows-on"
He said the vessel had "got a hell of a list to port" but people could be seen on deck and appeared calm.
'Ship stable'
Station officer Terry Jewell, from Essex Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This is one of the regular ferries that comes into Harwich and as it docked it hit the side of the quay, making a hole under the water line.
"The ship is stable now and we are standing by as a precaution while the vessel is moved so that ramps can come down and passengers can leave.
"The ship's crew worked swiftly to put their safety plans into practice immediately the accident happened."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23014901
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