Ferry problems may affect Pride attendance

There are concerns some people travelling from Jersey may have difficulty attending Channel Island's Pride 10th anniversary event in Guernsey later this month due to a ferry breaking down.

Ferry company Islands Unlimited runs a daily inter-island foot passenger service, and said the MV San Pawl's starboard main engine had a "major failure".

Channel Islands Pride is set to celebrate at La Valette Bathing pools on 11-13 September - the boat is scheduled to be back in operation on 10 September.

CEO of Liberate Guernsey Ellie Jones said: "There isn't much buffer time, but hopefully their guys will work their magic and it will all be good, but if it's not we will make the best of it."

Islands Unlimited have sponsored an LGBT choir from Jersey for the event, and their attendance is now in some doubt due to the issues with the boat.

All passenger services scheduled up to and including 10 September have been cancelled.

Jones said: "I think it will definitely have an impact on people coming from Jersey, but I don't think it will have a huge impact on the overall numbers."

They added: "We have got a lot of feelers out looking at what the options could be as a back up plan, especially getting the choir over as this could see an empty slot on the stage."

There will be a weekend of events to celebrate including performers, live music, and choirs.

Jones added: "Having it at the bathing pools, it's a better area where there is a lot of scope for us to grow over the next few years.

"It's the start of a new era and celebrating the end of an old one."

Islands Unlimited said the suspension was introduced to ensure the safety of passengers, crew and the vessel.

It apologised and thanked people for their "patience and understanding", adding every affected booking would receive a full refund.

It said: "We sincerely apologise for the disruption and uncertainty this situation is causing.

"Our team is working continuously to resolve the issue and restore services safely and reliably."

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