Pride of Kent ferry accidents and incidents

10 December 2017Ship Grounding

On December 10, 2017, while maneuvering for departure from homeport Calais France, the ship ran aground. The ferry port was temporarily closed. No injuries were reported. On December 12, under its own power, the ferry left Calais for emergency drydock repairs in Dunkerque.

23 May 2013Crew / Passenger Deaths

(overboard) On May 23, 2013, a 30-year-old male passenger was reported missing and presumably fell overboard. The man (Richard Fearnside, from Whitstable, Kent England) was thought to have fallen overboard while smoking on an outdoor deck.

The missing man was reported by his girlfriend, during disembarkation in homeport Dover England. The ship was on scheduled English Channel crossing arriving from Calais France.

The conducted search and rescue operation involved 1 lifeboat, 1 RAF helicopter and HMS Tyne (Royal Navy vessel). The 4-hour long operation was called off due to difficult weather (poor visibility and drizzle). The body was never found.

13 November 2006Other Incidents

On November 13, 2006, a young married couple (ferry passengers) was presumed to miss after they failed to board the bus. The incident occurred when the ship ended the crossing from Calais France and was berthed in Dover England.

The couple was later found safe in Belgium. Initially, they were presumed fell overboard, so onboard and sea searches were conducted.