The 6,307gt/2010 built Condor liberation (above) continues to suffer issues after her dry docking and on non-sailing days engineers had worked to resolve faults, including with the propulsion and steering systems. During such work on 15th March the MCA and affairs Maritimes conducted a joint, routine inspection and, as a result, issued a detention order. Until the issues identified were resolved and the repairs completed, the ship was confined to her berth at Poole. As is usual, a number of other matters were identified during the inspection including Certificate & documentation, lack of training for abandon ship drills, fixed fire extinguishing installation not as required; fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions unsafe, muster list incomplete etc, all of which required rectification before the ship returned to service.

According to reports, some of the issues raised echoed those found at a previous inspection. Once the repairs were complete, the ship underwent a re-inspection by the MCA, the port states, the classification body (DNV-GL) and the flag state (the Bahamas). When these problems arose the arrow was chartered again and commenced relief duties on Friday 18th March to free up tourist vehicle capacity on the Commodore Clipper for tourist traffic unable to use the Condor liberation. Typically the problems coincided with the refit of the Condor Rapide so both the Poole and St. Malo fast ferry services were affected. The Condor liberation was the subject of a re-inspection on 18th March from the MCA and was cleared to return to service on 19th March.

The Condor Rapide resumed operations on 24th March after refit at Falmouth but stormy conditions over the Easter period, including Storm Katie, brought more cancelled sailings for the liberation whilst the Rapide persevered. The latter did suffer steering problems on 28th March but otherwise remained on frontline duties. Prior to Easter, due to public confidence being at an all-time low, consideration was given to chartering Brittany Ferries’ 6,581gt/2000 built and Portsmouth based Normandie Express for 5 days to act as back-up to avoid a second consecutive Easter of problems. Just as hopes were raised, they were dashed again as arrangements and necessary paperwork/training could not be completed in time. also, French flagged ships, like the Normandie Express, may only be operated by French nationals, or by those holding a French Certificate of Equivalence, which takes time to achieve and officers are also required to undertake a French law exam (in French). Alas the first anniversary of the Austal 102’s debut was marked by service cancellations thanks to Storm Katie. As the storm raged overnight 27th/28th March the craft was again damaged at her berth in Poole, resulting in another breach of the hull and ensuing repairs.

The Easter Jinx appears to strike annually, usually where a fast craft is involved. This year both the Channel Island and Isle of Man services were struck, quite literally in the case of the latter. On the evening of 23rd March the 5,743gt/1998 built Manannan (above) came into heavy contact with Victoria Pier, Douglas, upon arrival at around 2240 from Liverpool. Five passengers suffered what were believed to be minor injuries. These passengers were initially treated on board the Manannan before being taken to hospital by ambulance for further assistance. The arrow was immediately summoned from her Channel island relief duties and proceeded at full speed back to the Isle of Man to relieve the Ben-my-Chree. The centre hull and portside bow fin suffered considerable impact damage. Sailings were cancelled with passengers transferred to the Ben-my-Chree where capacity permitted, including a special Belfast sailing on 30th March. Additional crew on the Ben-my-Chree permitted her to carry the maximum amount of passengers.

The Manannan was to have headed to the Cammell Laird Shipyard on Merseyside on 28th March but the severe weather delayed this by 24hrs as the vessel occupying the dry dock could not vacate it. The dry docking took place on 29th March with the Manannan being released later than hoped on the morning of 3rd April, resuming service that day. Her damaged foil was removed, leaving a stump in its place until full repairs can be made. The statutory biennial 3-week overhaul of the Ben-my- Chree was due to commence on 12th April with a return to service on 4th May.