Stena Adventurer experienced a technical issue while berthed in Holyhead, resulting in the cancellation and delay of several crossings between Dublin and the Welsh port.
The feryboat had been scheduled to depart Holyhead for Dublin at 10:00 a.m., but the sailing was cancelled after a technical problem was identified.
As a result, passengers who had already boarded the ship were later required to disembark while the situation was addressed.
The berthed ship created operational constraints within the port, preventing other ferries from docking, and leading to further disruption across scheduled services.
The situation affected voyages of Stena Line and Irish Ferries.
According to information provided by the ferry operator, the scheduled 10:15 a.m. sailing from Dublin Port to Holyhead Port was redirected to Birkenhead Port near Liverpool. Arrangements were made to transport passengers onward by coach from Birkenhead.
Several additional sailings between Dublin and Holyhead were either delayed or cancelled as a consequence of the berth being occupied by the disabled vessel. Irish Ferries reported disruptions to four services departing from Dublin and three services operating in the opposite direction.
Passengers who had boarded Stena Adventurer prior to its planned departure reported that they remained on board until mid-afternoon before being instructed to disembark. Many subsequently remained at the port awaiting further information regarding alternative travel arrangements and revised departure schedules.
The disruption occurred during a period of increased passenger traffic on the route. A number of travellers were returning to Wales following the Six Nations rugby match held in Dublin, while others were continuing onward journeys to attend the Cheltenham Festival, which is scheduled to begin the following week.