P&O Ferries ship detained over crew training concerns

A P&O Ferries ship has been detained in Northern Ireland over safety concerns.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the European Causeway passenger boat had been held in Larne over multiple issues.

The MCA said there had been "failures on crew familiarisation, vessel documentation and crew training".

Unions have raised concerns over a lack of experience of new crew, introduced after 800 of the firm's staff were sacked eight days ago.

The vessel, operated by P&O Ferries, will remain under detention until all these issues are resolved by P&O Ferries, the MCA spokesperson added.

Ships are usually detained based on concerns over their safety and to prevent them going to sea.

The European Causeway will only be re-inspected once any issues are resolved.