Passengers 'distressed' after DFDS alters sailings

Passengers using the new DFDS ferry service to travel to France say they have been left "distressed" after their sailings were changed at short notice, causing problems for onwards journeys in some cases.

Danish firm DFDS was selected to provide Jersey's lifeline passenger and freight services in 2024, after winning a government contract to operate sailings for the next 20 years.

Marcus Stone said his sailing to St Malo was changed from the morning to the evening of 18 April, meaning he would no longer be able to attend a family gathering on Good Friday.

The BBC has approached DFDS for comment, with Mr Stone believed to be one of 20 passengers similarly affected by the change.

Mr Stone said the situation had never happened to him "in 40-odd years of sailing".

He added: "It would be nice to know if this was just a technical glitch, or whether this is part of an overselling policy which will lead to it happening going forward in the future."

Malcolm Noel said he was also affected by the change and was now scheduled to arrive in St Malo at 23:00 BST.

He said: "Being 78, I will not be driving at that time of night and I'll have to search for a hotel in Saint Malo on Good Friday."

Mr Noel said he and his wife were "distressed" and were given no explanation as to why their sailing was changed but they would endeavour to get their booking reinstated.

"We are going to their office at the harbour in the morning as it seems the Friday morning boat is still going as their site says 'sold out'," he added.

DFDS was approached for a comment on Tuesday.

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