by Martin Jefferies

Passengers who have booked to use a new cross-channel ferry from Thanet have been told their money is safe, despite the high-speed route suffering yet another delay.

Euroferries has had to postpone the launch of its Ramsgate-Boulogne service, scheduled for Saturday, citing "events outside our control".

It is the third time the launch of the firm's Bonanza Express catamaran has been delayed.

Local residents were originally told the ferry would take its first passengers on March 31 but were left disappointed when the company put the launch date back to September.

A barely-audible answerphone message heard by customers calling Euroferries' customer service centre today said: "Euroferries regretably has to delay its high-speed cross-channel launch on November 14 due to events outside our control.

"We intend to resolve this matter switftly, allowing the service to commence as soon as possible. A further announcement will be made shortly."

The message explained that all affected passengers would be contacted by email and offered a full refund or a free upgrade to first-class facilities on a future sailing.

Money taken by Euroferries from bookings to date will be held by a third party until the company is able to complete its first crossing - a date for which has yet to be confirmed.

Were you hoping to sail to Boulogne with Euroferries this weekend? What do you think of the latest setback? Call our newsdesk on 01843 222777 or email thanetextra@thekmgroup.co.uk.