The ship unloaded cargo and passengers and proceeded into Liverpool docks for an initial diving inspection.

The inspection determined that the vessel had sustained damage to the stabiliser link, making it impossible to retract that unit into its housing. With the stabiliser stuck some 18ft out of its housing, the ferry was not allowed further movement away from its berth. In order to be allowed to proceed to dry dock, it was necessary to remove part of the stabiliser by burning and cutting through the 30mm mild steel wall.

The operation was inherently difficult due to the vessel's location and poor in water visibility but was made even more demanding by the need to burn and cut through a solid 350mm diameter cast steel inner core.

Salvesen divers mobilised their dive boat to the outboard side of the stricken ferry and deployed their underwater cutting system.

With the out of commission ferry costing its operators substantial sums, the divers worked around the clock from 08:00 Saturday morning to 23:00 on Sunday evening, finally removing the severed section with a crane.

The five ton piece of stabiliser was delivered onto the quayside and the ferry, freed of its dangerous protuberance, was allowed to move to dry dock for repairs to begin on Monday morning.

MJInformation No: 20759