The Mersey Ferries have been suspended for a seventh consecutive day, marking a full week without the iconic river crossing for people in Merseyside. The service was first halted last Saturday, with officials citing a 'technical issue', and cancellations have now extended to seven days, meaning no morning or evening commuter services or river cruises have operated during that time.
Statement on mechanical issue
Today's social media update stated: "Due to mechanical issues, services are currently suspended. Keep checking back and we'll let you know when services are likely to resume. Our friends at Merseyrail will be accepting Mersey Ferries (tickets) for commuter sailing times only. Thank you for your patience as our teams work to restore a full service."
An updated statement from Mersey Ferries said: "Due to a mechanical issue with the Snowdrop’s engine, we are unfortunately currently unable to run our commuter and Liverpool Sightseeing River Cruise services until further notice." Passengers on morning and evening commuter services can use the replacement bus service between Seacombe Ferry Terminal and Hamilton Square railway station.
Only vessel on the route
The statement added: "Although the Royal Daffodil was undergoing initial passenger trials last week, the vessel has not yet entered full passenger service and is currently unavailable. We have engineers working on site with the Snowdrop and hope to have this issue resolved as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience that this has caused and will provide further updates as soon as we’re able."
The ferry operator, managed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, has cited technical issues and noted the Snowdrop is the only vessel operating on the route. Earlier this year, the Royal Iris ferry was retired and decommissioned after 67 years. It will be replaced by the new £26m Royal Daffodil, expected to enter full service later this month, currently completing final trials on the water.
