Dover Port Assists Stranded Eurotunnel Passengers

Passengers stranded by the problems with Eurotunnel, hit by a freight train fire on Saturday causing delays over the weekend, have reached their destinations via the Port of Dover’s ferry services, the port said.

Over the weekend, the Port of Dover and its three major ferry operators provided emergency assistance in getting stranded Tunnel passengers across the Channel. Nearly 35% extra traffic resulted in increased ferry services over the weekend to cope with the stranded travelers.

Tim Waggott, the Port of Dover’s Chief Executive, believes the port reacted in very quick time to assist the hundreds of passengers and freight vehicles caught in the Eurotunnel problems.

“Despite the increased number of customers heading through the port, we succeeded, along with our ferry partners, in providing a safe and reliable service to help those passengers frustrated with their travel issues. Our staff embraced the challenge and passengers have expressed their appreciation of the extra effort made to keep them informed,” he said.

Having contained the fire, the first trains resumed operations on Sunday, however with up to five-hour delays.

Eurotunnel restored normal operations by Monday morning.