STENA SUPERFAST VIII
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Engine failure leaves only two ferries with passenger capacity on channel route
The 'Stena Superfast VIII', serving between Belfast and Cairnryan, has suffered an engine failure whilst alongside in the port of Belfast on the morning of July 17, 2025.. This has resulted in disruption also causing traffic congestion in Belfast. The ferry has since been towed to the ship repair quay at Harland & Wolff. The ferry 'European Causeway' continued to operate the route, but in a ‘freight only’ mode due to issues with the PA system. The ferries 'European Highlander' and 'Stena Superfast VII' were thus the only vessels on the north channel able to carry passengers. The issue at one stage led to traffic disruption in the Dargan Road area and on the M2 southbound heading into Belfast. The 7.30 p.m. sailing had a short delay, check in closed at 7 p.m., to minimise the delay. The 11.30 p.m. crossing was also delayed. check in close dat 11 p.m. to minimise the delay.
Body discovered on beach confirmed to be missing passenger
A body discovered on a beach in near Farmhill Road in Holywood, County Down, in the morning of Oct 17 has been confirmed as a passenger who fell from the 'Stena Superfast VIII' on Oct 29, the Belfast Harbour Police confirmed. On Oct 29, the Coastguard had conducted an overnight search of Belfast Lough after reports a man had entered the water from the ferry between Belfast and Cairnryan . The search was stood down on Oct 30.
Search for person who fell over board
A major SAR operation is underway in Northern Ireland over reports a person fell overboard from the 'Stena Sperfast VIII' on Oct 29, 2022. Emergency services rushed to the scene in the evening in the Lough area of Belfast and were still on scene the next morning. The incident occurred on the 9.30 p.m. service from Cairnryan to Belfast.Police have asked the public to avoid the area while the rescue operation continues. A Lagan Search & Rescue team was alerted, a Rescue 199 helicopter was tasked to help emergency services with the search. The HM Coastguard sent two RNLI lifeboats from Bangor, pilot launches from the harbour, the coastguard helicopter based at Prestwick and Bangor Coastguard Rescue Team in the search which also involves the ferry’s own fast rescue craft. They carried out an extensive search.
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