UK-bound Stena Line ferry suffers 'complete loss of power' after engine failure in Irish Sea

A Stena Line ferry which had recently departed from a Northern Irish port was forced to call for help on Saturday after major technical issues aboard left the crew stranded.

The freight-only vessel, operated by Stena Hibernia, reportedly suffered engine failure early on Saturday morning en route to Heysham, a busy UK port near Liverpool.

After getting into difficulties at sea, the large ferry stopped near Holywood, Co Down, and was forced to anchor while the crew called for a tow. back to port. 

In a statement to the Belfast Telegraph, a Stena Line spokesperson said the vessel had suffered “a complete loss of power” at around 9.30am during the scheduled departure from Belfast Harbour.

"The vessel immediately went to anchor, and two tugs and a pilot attended to secure the vessel’s position,” they added.

"The crew has successfully restored power and continue to thoroughly test onboard systems before commencing passage back to Belfast. All relevant maritime authorities have been informed".

The Stena spokesperson added that the ferry was expected to be able to return to normal service on Sunday for the scheduled evening sailing to Heysham.

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