Alderney Ferry Company puts Causeway Explorer up for sale
CAUSEWAY Explorer, the first vessel bought by the Alderney Ferry Company, has been put up for sale while the firm waits for Alderney States to grant a passenger licence for its new all-seasons boat, Dart Fisher.
During the summer the firm operated Causeway Explorer alongside its other boat, Sorcerer II, and was hoping to add the 24m 12-seater Dart Fisher to its fleet to provide an all-year-round service.
However, the new boat suffered a number of delays before arriving in the island.
‘But its been nearly two weeks since we carried out our docking and pilotage into Alderney successfully,’ said Alderney Ferry Company co-owner Charlie Smith.
‘Yesterday [Tuesday] we completed everything for Guernsey and we already have a charter to the UK plus other works lining up, but again all out of Guernsey.’
The company’s online bookings currently only run up to 1 November, the day that Alderney’s General Services Committee will be discussing the company’s application for a passenger licence for the new boat.
‘We are hoping the States of Alderney can see the sacrifice and commitment we have for our island and grant us a licence as soon as possible.’
There had already been interest from potential buyers, she said, plus some people commenting that perhaps someone could buy the boat, and the company could charter it back to carry on with the summer routes.
‘We do still have Sorcerer II, which will be kept as she is our passenger vessel and fishing vessel with a catch and release Blue Fin Tuna licence.
‘The support and encouragement from our passengers, islanders has been incredibly overwhelming, especially for a small family working tirelessly to provide a better all-year-round sea link to support our island.'
