PASSENGER FERRY SAFELY ARRIVES AT HARWICH AFTER IT STRUCK QUAY WALL

A passenger ferry has safely arrived at Harwich International Port after it struck the quay at Parkeston, Essex. 
 
Thames Coastguard was first contacted just after midday with reports that the ferry Sirena Seaways had been damaged after coming into contact with the quay wall. At first the vessel was taking on water, but this was soon stopped and the water level was brought under control. 
 
The Walton Coastguard Rescue Team, the Harwich RNLI lifeboat, the harbour launch boat, the search and rescue helicopter from RAF Wattisham were sent to the scene, along with a number of other nearby vessels and tugs that went to assist. 
 
At 2.45pm the ferry was brought alongside at Harwich International Port and all 489 passengers on board disembarked. No one was injured and there was no reported pollution.
Aimee Rampton, Watch Manager at Thames Coastguard said:

"Thames Coastguard assisted Harwich International Port with the co-ordination of this incident. We had a very successful outcome today, 489 people onboard and no injuries incurred."

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