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Ferry passengers 'marooned in France' amid industrial action at Calais

By: Oliver Leonard oleonard@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 11:41, 07 June 2024

Passengers are “marooned” in France as ferry services are suspended or cancelled due to strike action among port workers.

The Port of Dover is facing severe disruption to its crossings to Calais due to industrial action on the French side.

P&O Ferries has told passengers to “plan for a wait”. Picture: @nonsocucinare

But it is not just those leaving Kent who are being impacted as many across the border are “stuck” in France amid the strike chaos.

Passenger John Nurden had crossed the border yesterday for a D-Day memorial but has now been forced to travel back to Eurotunnel by coach.

“I’m marooned in France,” he said.

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“We had been making excellent progress after a 6am departure to beat D-Day delays in Calais but now 46 people have been put on a Shearings coach because of blockade.

“I’m annoyed but not surprised French workers have chosen today to blockade the port.”

The Port of Dover remains open, and it is understood ferries to Dunkirk are unaffected.

John Nurden says passengers are being 'marooned' in France amid the strike chaos. Picture: John Nurden

P&O Ferries has warned passengers on X, formerly known as Twitter, to “plan for a wait” upon arrival.

A spokesperson said: “Please be advised that our check-in has reopened.

“Industrial action is still ongoing so we anticipate disruption which may slow our processing times.

“Please plan for a wait on arrival, we will get you checked in as quickly as possible.”

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Mr Nurden added: “On the plus side Eurotunnel should be quicker than the ferry - once we get on.

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“Full marks to the coach company and drivers who have responded so quickly to this action although passport control is taking an age.

“But the men on the D-Day landings 80 years ago had to put up with much worse.”

P&O has assured passengers who miss their departure that they will be put on the next available ferry.

Irish Ferries and DFDS Seaways are also experiencing disruptions, with some ferries being cancelled.

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