Passengers had to be evacuated from a chain ferry after it suffered engine failure. About 80 people were taken off the ferry on Lake Windermere in Cumbria’s Lake District National Park Sunday afternoon, May 27.
HM Coastguard received the report at 12:45 p.m. and sent Morecombe, Furness and Arnside Coastguard Rescue Teams, along with Ulverston independent lifeboat, to the scene. Also involved in the multi-agency response were the Lake Wardens, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, Cumbria Police and North West Ambulance.
The duty surveyor from Maritime & Coastguard Agency that regulates the lake ships, was also informed. He advised that the ferry should be taken out of service until the cause of the accident and its effect is known.
Passengers onboard the ferry were taken ashore by another ship. Two people reported minor injuries to once they reached the shore.
At the time of accident, he chain ferry was carrying a total of 81 people, 15 cars and 8 bicycles
An engineer carried out interim repairs which allowed the vessel to return alongside.