Stena Superfast VII Ferry Stranded Off Northern Ireland Due to Storm Darragh: Incident on 7 December 2024

On 7 December 2024, the Stena Superfast VII ferry, operated by Stena Line, was unable to dock in Belfast, Northern Ireland, due to severe weather conditions caused by Storm Darragh. The vessel, which had departed from Cairnryan, Scotland, early that morning on its regular scheduled route, sought shelter off the Antrim coast with passengers and crew onboard for over 14 hours while waiting for safe docking conditions.

Stena Line confirmed that the ferry remained safely sheltered throughout the incident and that all passengers and crew were being cared for onboard. The company monitored weather conditions continuously and prepared to dock in Belfast as soon as conditions permitted.

The Stena Superfast VII departed Cairnryan early on 7 December 2024 on its regular Belfast route. Storm Darragh brought high winds and rough seas that made it unsafe for the ferry to approach and dock at Belfast Harbour. The master made the decision to seek shelter along the Antrim coast, where the vessel remained anchored while weather conditions were assessed and monitored.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• All passengers and crew remained safely onboard the sheltered vessel throughout the incident.

Stena Line maintained continuous monitoring of weather conditions and sea state throughout the shelter period. The company prioritised the safety of all passengers and crew onboard and coordinated with port authorities to determine the safest time to proceed to Belfast Harbour. Passengers were provided with care and support while the vessel remained sheltered off the Antrim coast.

The Stena Superfast VII remained sheltered pending improvement in weather conditions. Stena Line was prepared to dock the vessel in Belfast as soon as it was safe to do so, with the safety of passengers and crew as the top priority.