Stranded Irish ferry to return from France with passengers

The stranded Irish Ferries vessel that broke down in France on Tuesday forcing more than 1,000 passengers to spend the night on board is set to sail back to Ireland this evening.

The ship suffered a technical fault which led to the cancellation of the crossing from Cherbourg to Rosslare, Co Wexford.

A spokesman for Irish Ferries said a component in the radar system described as a “key mechanism” had failed and the system was essential for the ferry to travel in the foggy conditions around the coast of Cherbourg and the English Channel.

He said a special technician had been flown in to repair the vital system on the Oscar Wilde.

“It was a complex piece which means our engine room personnel wouldn’t have the expertise to install it themselves so we need a special technician to come and do the work

Some passengers had taken to Twitter to vent their frustrations with the delays.

The majority of passengers left Cherbourg on Wednesday on other services back to Ireland arranged by the company.

More than 50 passengers decided to stay on the vessel, which has 400 cabins with 1,400 beds, a second night while it was being fixed and will return this evening with other passengers booked onto the sailing at 9.30pm local time.

Updates on www.irishferries.com