New Scilly Ferries service hit by further delays

Atlantic Wolff arrived in Newlyn on Wednesday evening

A new ferry service due to start early next week in Cornwall has postponed its first week's sailings.

On Friday the first available booking on the Scilly Ferries service from Penzance to St Mary's changed from 22 July to 12:30 BST on 30 July.

The Atlantic Wolff, a 138ft (42m) catamaran with a top speed of 28 knots and seating for more than 400 people, had been due to start operating in May.

In another development on Friday the chief executive of Harland and Wolff which owns Scilly Ferries, stood down amid financial problems.

'Focussed' sea trials

Harland and Wolff had planned a press event in west Cornwall for 22 July to mark the first sailing, but then cancelled it.

A spokesperson for Scilly Ferries said: "The ferry is undergoing sea trials this weekend and all resources are currently focussed on getting her into service.

"Consequently, we’re having to postpone the proposed briefing on Monday."

Bookings were available from Tuesday the 23 on Friday morning but by afternoon the sailings had been removed