The passengers stranded on board the Spirit of Tasmania II after wild winds caused the ferry to crash into a pier in Melbourne last night have been told they will reach Devonport … eventually.
TT Line has said the stricken vessel’s sister ship, Spirit of Tasmania, will operate a double sailing schedule while the damaged ship is repaired.
The drama began yesterday evening when gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour were enough to snap mooring ropes and swing Spirit of Tasmanian II around, causing it to crash into a car bridge and drift towards shore. It also damaged a boarding ramp.
Several tug boats were used to turn the ship around and, once the vessel was secured, passengers were allowed to board and stay in their cabins while the extent of the damage was investigated. The majority of the 650 booked passengers opted to stay on the vessel overnight while 232 cars remained on board and could not be unloaded. It is not known how many grey nomads were aboard the stricken vessel.
The Spirit of Tasmania I departed Devonport late last night and will arrive in Melbourne this afternoon to come to the aid of stranded passengers.
The Herald-Sun reports that the company will do its best to put passengers from the damaged ship on tonight’s voyage back to Devonport, but many are reportedly heading to the airport instead after the company offered a full refund.
It is not known how long it will take for the damaged ship to return to service, but TT Line said it will not operate until further notice.
