Bumblebee ferry rescued by Roy Barker lifeboat

The Bumblebee has operated services between Alderney and Guernsey since 2012

A passenger ferry had to be towed to Alderney after it lost power while travelling to Guernsey.

The crew of the twin-hulled, twin-engined catamaran Bumblebee raised the alarm before its communications failed due to the power loss.

Alderney's lifeboat Roy Barker I was launched at 09:40 BST and was on the scene - about 2 miles south west of the island - within 10 minutes.

There were two passengers on board the craft that can carry up to 12.

Dan Meinke, MD of Bumblebee, said he believed it was a problem with the electronics, but the boat would be taken to Guernsey on Thursday to be checked over by engineers.

He said he hoped to have it back in service "within 24 to 48 hours" and was working with affected passengers to arrange flights or accommodation.

Mr Meinke said in the event the boat could not be returned to the water by Saturday a replacement would be brought in.

He said the company carries 3,000 passengers a year and its boat operates 500 to 600 hours a year.