The ferry between Gravesend and Tilbury was of action on Thursday (4th) after being struck by a 222-metre long cruise ship leaving London Cruise Terminal, Tilbury, yesterday.
A handwritten sign at Gravesend town pier notified passengers that the Duchess M ferry was not operating due to "the Magellan hitting [the] ferry."
Although it's not thought the ferry was damaged, she was moored at West Street Pier today awaiting checks before she resumes operating the service.
Thurrock Council put the following notice on its website:
Due to a cruise ship striking the ferry last night, the Tilbury to Gravesend ferry service is temporarily suspended until safety checks are completed and the authorities are happy that the vessel is able to resume usual service.
MS Magellan's departure from Tilbury yesterday afternoon was unaffected and she is currently on her way to Invergordon.
27-metre long Duchess M was originally named Vesta and was built in 1956 to operate between Gosport and Portsmouth. 46,000 tonne MS Magellan was originally named Holiday until coming under the Cruise and Maritime Voyage umbrella last year.
A PLA Spokesperson commented: “We are aware there was an incident between the Magellan and the Tilbury ferry, with no injuries reported. No significant damage was reported and we are working with the vessel owners to investigate the matter further.”
Update: 5th August - the Tilbury ferry has resumed service today.
Duchess M at West Street Pier today awaiting checks before resuming service.
File picture of the Magellan cruise ship and Duchess M.
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