The storm stricken Sealink ferry 'Felicity' docks in Rosslare Harbour after almost 40 hours at sea.
The cross-channel Sealink Stena Line ferry 'Felicity' en route from Fishguard to Rosslare experienced problems when a force 10 gale prevented her from docking in County Wexford. For the 570 passengers on board, a crossing that should have taken three hours, turned into a voyage lasting almost 40 hours.
The ferry took shelter from the storm in Waterford Harbour, but could not find a safe anchorage off Dunmore East. The Felicity had to ride out the storm cruising in the lea of Ballyteige Bay, between Kilmore and Hook Head.
When the storm died down the ferry returned to Rosslare Harbour. The first attempt to reverse into port failed, but she succeeded in docking on the second attempt.
The disembarking passengers, mostly British tourists and Irish people returning from holidays seemed unaffected by their ordeal. Once passenger felt well looked after by the crew,
They gave us all cabins, fed us and it was quite nice really.
One British man is unhappy the ship sailed in the first place. He thinks the crew must have known about the poor weather conditions. He would have preferred to stay at home instead of spending his weekend on the ferry.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 29 September 1991. The reporter is Michael Ryan.
