Condor update: Liberation to return to service

Inspectors from the MCA conducted a re-inspection of the Liberation on Friday after the fast-ferry was detained in Poole on Tuesday.

Eleven faults were identified during the initial inspection, with four deemed serious enough by inspectors to warrant issuing a detention order.

In a statement Condor said that all the matters flagged up by the MCA were rectified on Thursday and that this was confirmed by an inspection by the MCA.

The statement added: ‘The contingency plans that were put in place this week will have maintained the lifeline passenger links for the Channel Islands, with around 70 per cent of passengers offered travel on their booked day and all passengers travelling within 24 hours of their booking.

‘By chartering MV Arrow, we have ensured that freight services were unaffected throughout. Nevertheless, we would like to apologise to our customers who have experienced disruption and delays over the last few days or will have disrupted travel this weekend.

‘We want to reassure our customers that we only ever sail any of our ships when we and our regulators are satisfied that they are safe. Inspections are part of ensuring that safety and we welcome them.’

On Wednesday the Condor Rapide is expected to return to service after she underwent planned maintenance in dry dock period.

A statement released by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on Friday evening said: ‘This evening MCA surveyors re-inspected the Condor Liberation and have released it from detention.

‘We are satisfied that the defects found in the vessel have been rectified.

‘The MCA does not set up additional safety requirements but enforces the rules and standards laid down in international agreements on ships regardless of the flag they are flying.’

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