Passengers hurt in Channel ferry collision

Thirty eight passengers were injured today when a cross-channel ferry struck its berth in the French port of Calais, Dover coastguards said.

French authorities dealt with the accident involving the 28,838 tonne P&O vessel the Aquitaine, which happened at about 9.30am.

P&O said passengers suffered "minor injuries" in the collision which happened as the ferry was arriving from Dover.

A passenger on board the 8.15 P&O sailing from Dover told how people were sent flying by the collision.

John Duncan told IRN: "Just as we were coming in to dock we heard this, I wouldn't say an almighty crash, but it was a fair whack.

"All the lights went off, the engines went dead, people went flying, (there was) quite a lot of screaming."

The Aquitaine is P&O's largest ferry on the route and came into service last November.

Minor damage has been caused to the bow of the ship and the berth. The full extent of the damage is currently being assessed. At the time of the incident there were 1,241 passengers and 123 crew on board.

"P&O Stena Line has launched an immediate inquiry."

P&O Stena Line has set up hotlines for families of passengers on 01304 864559 and for families of staff on 01304 863089.