Manche Iles is unable to sail to Sark and Alderney for two weeks
TECHNICAL problems with one of Manche Iles Express’ vessels will see it out of action until 12 August.
And with the other only fit to run with limited operational ability, the French ferry company is unable to make any direct sailings to Sark or Alderney for at least the next fortnight.
The MV Granville has broken down several times in recent weeks and a spokesman for Manche Iles confirmed that its return to service had been pushed back until 12 August.
‘This technical problem has necessitated the shipping of parts at a time of year where the company has incurred delays in deliveries,’ they said.
‘On receipt of the engine spare parts, technicians will be working around the clock in order to resume scheduled services at the earliest possible time.’
The Victor Hugo resumed service on Saturday 21 July following electrical problems, but with a limited operational ability.
‘For the safety of passengers, the new command system on the bridge needs to be further tested by all of Manche Iles Express masters. For this reason, at this time, the Victor Hugo cannot operate into ports which do not provide marine assistance.'
This rules out Alderney, Dielette, Carteret and Sark.
‘This decision was made solely in the interests of passenger safety. Manche Iles Express took no commercial consideration, nor does the company prioritise any one route in favour of another.’
The Sark Chamber of Commerce said earlier this week that the island ‘appeared to be the second choice to the new inter-island service’, citing the damaging effects on its fragile economy.
‘Manche Iles understands the impact of cancellations to the island of Sark,’ the spokesman said.
‘We wish to assure the Sark Chamber of Commerce that we are doing everything possible to resume normal scheduled services to Sark as soon as possible.
‘In the interim, to enable passengers to reach Sark, with the kind assistance of the Isle of Sark Shipping Company, we have arranged two sailings to Sark via Guernsey on Sunday 5 & Wednesday 8 August.
‘As a gesture of goodwill, the extra costs incurred by passengers travelling via Guernsey will be absorbed by Manche Iles Express.
‘The company sincerely apologises for the inconvenience and the economic impact on the island of Sark, and we would like to thank everyone for their continued support and understanding.’
