Displaying items by tag: loses power

27th April 2022

Ferry Firm P&O Pledges Full Investigation after European Causeway Loses Power off Antrim Coast

The P&O ferry European Causeway which operates between Larne and Cairnryan - lost power on the way to Northern Ireland on Tuesday afternoon.

Ferry operator P&O has said a full investigation will be carried out after a vessel travelling to Larne was left to drift off the coast of Co Antrim after losing power.

The 'European Causeway' - which operates between Larne and Cairnryan - had what the operator described as a "mechanical failure" on a sailing to Northern Ireland on Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency rescue crews from the coastguard and RNLI raced to the scene, however, P&O later said there were no injuries and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said there were no concerns for safety.

One passenger told UTV the engine just stopped working and then it restarted and continued on for another 10 minutes or so.

"Then it just stopped and it completely blacked out, all the electrics and everything were just down."

A spokesperson for P&O Ferries confirmed that the vessel finished the journey "under its own propulsion".

They said: “Following a temporary mechanical issue, the European Causeway is now continuing on its scheduled journey to the Port of Larne under its own propulsion, with local tugs on standby, where it will discharge its passengers and cargo as planned.

"There are no reported injuries onboard and all the relevant authorities have been informed. Once in dock a full independent investigation will be undertaken.”

ITV News has further coverage of the ferry which docked in the Co. Antrim port.

Published in Ferry

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Irish Sailing

The Irish Sailing Association, also known as Irish Sailing, is the national governing body for sailing, powerboating and windsurfing in Ireland.

Founded in 1945 as the Irish Dinghy Racing Association, it became the Irish Yachting Association in 1964 and the Irish Sailing Association in 1992.

Irish Sailing is a Member National Authority (MNA) of World Sailing and a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

The Association is governed by a volunteer board, elected by the member clubs. Policy Groups provide the link with members and stakeholders while advising the Board on specialist areas. There is a professional administration and performance staff, based at the headquarters in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

Core functions include the regulation of sailing education, administering racing and selection of Irish sailors for international competition. It is the body recognised by the Olympic Federation of Ireland for nominating Irish qualified sailors to be considered for selection to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games. Irish sailors have medalled twice at the Olympics – David Wilkins and Jamie Wikinson at the 1980 games, and Annalise Murphy at the 2016 games.

The Association, through its network of clubs and centres, offers curriculum-based training in the various sailing, windsurfing and powerboating disciplines. Irish Sailing qualifications are recognised by Irish and European Authorities. Most prominent of these are the Yachtmaster and the International Certificate of Competency.

It runs the annual All-Ireland Championships (formerly the Helmsman’s Championship) for senior and junior sailors.

The Association has been led by leading lights in the sailing and business communities. These include Douglas Heard, Clayton Love Junior, John Burke and Robert Dix.

Close to 100 sailors have represented Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Membership of Irish Sailing is either by direct application or through membership of an affiliated organisation. The annual membership fee ranges from €75 for families, down to €20 for Seniors and Juniors.