Passengers watch on from the Ferry. NorthWestNewsPix
PASSENGERS aboard the maiden voyage of the new Lough Swilly ferry service were stranded for an hour – because the landing pier in Rathmullan was silted up with sand!
Diggers and lorries had to be called in to help remove tonnes of sand whilst bemused passengers looked on – 200 metres out to sea!
People on the ferry had left Buncrana 10 minutes earlier.
Residents and businesses in both towns are all delighted to see the ferry service back after an absence of some months.
It provides a vital link for tourists between the Fanad and Inishowen; as well as locals, saving a 50-minute drive around the Lough.
But all’s swell that ends swell…..
Passengers were given their money back by the ferry operators.
“It was a bit bemusing to say the least,” said John O’Hara, visiting from Dublin with his wife and two children.
“To be fair to the ferry guys, they were brilliant. They explained what was happening and it was a nice day so no-one was too bothered.
“Otherwise the service was super.”
John added: “It brings a whole new meaning to ‘Don’t Pay The Ferryman’.”
Passengers wait patiently aboard the ferry…NORTHWESTNEWSPIX
