Bumblebee calls it a day on Alderney ferry service

After four years, during which time it carried more than 6,000 passengers between the two islands and on charter trips using its distinctive yellow boat, managing director Dan Meinke said that there was not enough profit to continue without a prospect of expanding the business with a larger vessel.

Businesses and event organisers in Alderney, particularly those involving people travelling with bulky items of luggage, said the news came as a huge blow.

Bumblebee director Chris Meinke said: 'We have already turned down a lot of enquiries for the coming season, including groups and bands for Alderney Week and several European tour operators who have made many bookings in the past and with whom we have close working relationships.

'It's such a shame.

'We love Alderney and we've worked hard to support it and its events and its charities.

'We thank all our loyal supporters who have spoken up for us and travelled with us over the years, but we felt we had no choice.'

The intended development path for the business, he said, was the provision of a 140-seat fast-ferry for Alderney.

It worked on the project for two years in response to a tender requirement from the States of Alderney.

But it did not receive approval from the States of Guernsey, which was asked to provide a capital guarantee for a £1.5m. loan.