Yahoo News Mersey Ferries suspended 'until further notice' after 'tough' decision
Mersey Ferry crossings have been suspended for a number of days over operational issues.
On Monday, a statement put out on social media revealed there would be no community or River Explorer sailings on Tuesday June 25 and Wednesday June 26 (today).
Ferry bosses confirmed replacement bus services would be put in place for both the morning and afternoon commuter services between Seacombe Ferry Terminal and Hamilton Square station in Wirral, with ferry tickets accepted.
MORE: Get the latest updates on the General Election to your WhatsApp
Today, a new social media statement added: "Due to operational reasons, services are currently suspended until further notice. Keep checking back and we'll let you know as soon as possible when services will resume."
The ECHO has contacted the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which runs the ferries, to ask what is behind the sudden suspension of the crossings.
A spokesperson from the Mersey Ferries team said: “Unfortunately, a short delay on our passengers licencing approvals has meant that we weren’t able to have two boats back on the water today as we’d originally hoped.
"We have made the tough choice to suspend our River Explorer Cruise and Direct Cross-River services until June 27 to fulfil our commitment to our Manchester Ship Canal Cruise passengers.
"Replacement buses are in operation for our loyal commuters. We know people may be disappointed, and we thank passengers for their patience as we work hard to bring the Royal Iris of the Mersey back into service."
Ferries have been a feature on the River Mersey for more than 800 years and has become a famous part of Merseyside life. The ferries were immortalised by the Gerry and the Pacemakers hit, Ferry Cross the Mersey.
The commuter ferry service operates each weekday between the Liverpool Gerry Marsden ferry terminal at the Pier Head and Seacombe in Wirral. There are also a number of cruise options available for tourists and sightseers.
The ferries are owned and operated by Merseytravel, the executive body that provides professional, strategic and operational transport advice to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
It was announced in 2023 that a £26m deal had been signed to construct a new ferry - the first since the 1960s - at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead.
The Liverpool Daily Post newsletter delves into the biggest stories on Merseyside
