Condor Liberation ferry returns to service on Saturday

Condor Ferries confirmed the Bahamas-registered vessel will return to service after being detained

A high-speed ferry currently detained in Poole will return to service on Saturday, according to the operator.

Condor said the required repairs have been carried out on the Liberation.

Safety issues were found on the Bahamas-registered vessel by Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) inspectors.

In a statement from Condor it said after a re-inspection the agency said they were satisfied that all issues had been rectified.

Condor said that the boat now reaches the "highest standards of safety".

Inspectors found 11 deficiencies, with four giving grounds for detention; the main engine operation, steering gear operation, fire doors and ISM (International safety management code).

The firm's other high speed ferry, Condor Rapide, is at Falmouth in dry dock for annual maintenance.

Condor Ferries operates between the Channel Islands, St Malo, Portsmouth and Poole

MCA findings - Major failings

• Propulsion main engine - Not as required

• Steering gear - Inoperative

• Fire doors/Openings in fire resisting divisions - Not as required

• ISM (International safety management code)- Not as required

Other failings

• Emergency Steering Position - Inoperative

• Ready availability of firefighting equipment - Not Properly Stowed

• Public address system - Missing

• Other Safety in general - Other

• Maritime Labour certificate - Invalid

• Firefighting equipment and appliances - Not as required

• Fire Drills - Lack of training