Ferry Hard Times
Freight is providing the dominant force in shortsea ferry trades with an 84% rise through Dover in the past ten years while tourist car traffic has declined by 13% according to SeaFrance managing director Robin Wilkins. Demand has been such that estimates suggest truck volumes through Dover could exceed cars within two years. Europes ferries face a serious threat from low cost airlines and, in some areas, from EU enlargement, which has pitched local lorry operators into a battle that has seen up to 40% of cargo volume shift from sea to road.
As result of their substantial contribution during the same incident, Falmouth lifeboat Coxswain Mark Pollard is to be awarded the RNLI’s Bronze Medal for fortitude, exemplary leadership and outstanding seamanship in the rescue of a powerless, drifting cargo vessel with eight people on board, at night, during a violent storm on the night of 2 November last year. The members of his crew will also receive Medal Certificates.
MJ Information No: 21542
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