Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it abruptly stopped and embarked drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

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The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

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Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it commenced braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could stir from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the puny cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the squad was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to stir from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted truly hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry eventually made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it all of a sudden stopped and began drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

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The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

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Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it began braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could budge from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the petite cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the team was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to stir from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted truly hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry ultimately made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it abruptly stopped and commenced drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

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The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

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Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it embarked braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could budge from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the puny cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the squad was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to budge from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted indeed hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry eventually made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it abruptly stopped and began drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

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The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

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Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it began braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could budge from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the puny cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the team was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to stir from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted indeed hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry ultimately made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it abruptly stopped and commenced drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

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The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

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Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it embarked braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could stir from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the petite cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the squad was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to budge from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted truly hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry eventually made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it abruptly stopped and began drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

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The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

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Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it embarked braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could budge from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the puny cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the team was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to budge from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted truly hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry ultimately made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it abruptly stopped and began drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

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The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

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Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it began braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could stir from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the petite cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the squad was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to stir from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted truly hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry ultimately made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it all of a sudden stopped and embarked drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

• SHARE
• Share on Facebook
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The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

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Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it commenced braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could stir from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the puny cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the team was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to budge from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted truly hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry ultimately made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it abruptly stopped and began drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

• SHARE
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Link

The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

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Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it began braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could budge from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the puny cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the squad was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to budge from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted indeed hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry ultimately made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it all of a sudden stopped and began drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

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The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

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Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it embarked braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could budge from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the petite cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the team was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to stir from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted truly hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry eventually made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it all of a sudden stopped and embarked drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

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The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

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Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it commenced braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could stir from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the puny cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the team was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to budge from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted truly hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry eventually made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it all of a sudden stopped and embarked drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

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• Share on Facebook
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The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

You will now receive updates from AM & PM Update Newsletter

AM & PM Update Newsletter

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By submitting your email you are agreeing to Fairfax Media’s terms and conditions and privacy policy .

Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it embarked braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could stir from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the puny cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the team was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to budge from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted truly hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry ultimately made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it abruptly stopped and embarked drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

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• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Link

The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

You will now receive updates from AM & PM Update Newsletter

AM & PM Update Newsletter

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By submitting your email you are agreeing to Fairfax Media’s terms and conditions and privacy policy .

Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it began braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could stir from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the puny cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the team was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to budge from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted indeed hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry ultimately made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

Manly Ferry left drifting near Manly Wharf after mechanical issues

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• Share on Facebook
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A Manly Ferry became stranded just off Balgowlah Heights shortly after leaving Manly Wharf a brief time after 7pm on Thursday. Photo: James Brickwood

Passengers on the Manly Ferry were stranded for hours after the ferry broke down near Manly on Thursday evening.

The ferry was around thirty metres from Manly Wharf, witnesses said, when it all of a sudden stopped and commenced drifting.

Transport authorities organised for two ferries to pull alongside the broken-down Queenscliff, and planned for passengers to walk across a plank to the working boat.

However, this idea was hampered by rough swells, and passengers were told a spare part would be sent to the ferry in a water taxi.

As passengers waited, other ferries were also delayed by the “mechanical issues”.

The 6:45pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry and the 7:15pm Manly to Circular Quay ferry are delayed due to a ferry with mechanical issues.

• SHARE
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Link

The manly ferry boat Queenscliff is stranded after developing mechanical problems. Photo: Australian Media

You will now receive updates from AM & PM Update Newsletter

AM & PM Update Newsletter

Get the latest news and updates emailed straight to your inbox.

By submitting your email you are agreeing to Fairfax Media’s terms and conditions and privacy policy .

Harbour City Ferries, which operates the service, said the issues unfolded on the 6pm Circular Quay to Manly service, “on treatment to Manly”.

“The vessel, the Queenscliff, dropp[ed] anchor near Manly Wharf. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible,” the ferry operator said in a statement.

“Harbour City Ferries apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we will proceed working hard to get everyone back to shore as soon as possible.”

Maciej Skrzyszewski, from Queenscliff, boarded the ferry to get home from work and was sitting on the upper deck as it approached the wharf.

As it got closer, it embarked braking, then there was a noise as it abruptly stopped.

Some of the passengers rushed outside to see what was going on, while others remained relaxed through what would become a lengthy wait.

Mr Skrzyszewski said the captain kept the passengers updated every fifteen minutes, and they were suggested free tea and coffee.

“We were just waiting for other boats to attempt to rescue us, so we could budge from one to another, but it was a little bit too dangerous to do that,” he said.

“Everyone thought that the very first boat that was going to come would take us, then they said another one would drop passengers from Manly Wharf and come and pick us up.

“They attempted to connect, but it was a bit rough for them. They opened the petite cafe for people to get anything they want, so people could get some tea or a coffee or water.”

He said the squad was “very comforting to everyone”, so most of the passengers were relaxed during their long wait.

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than one thousand people but was not packed at the time, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around two hundred metres from its destination.

“They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats,” Mr Clarke told AAP after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

“There was just growing frustration because, you know, you’re so close.”

Mr Clarke said two separate rescue attempts were made but staff could not be sure it was safe enough for passengers to budge from the bruised ferry to a working vessel pulled up alongside.

He said a spare part was eventually brought via water taxi, before passengers disembarked around 8.40pm

“They attempted truly hard. They suggested everyone coffee and everything,” Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

“At the end of the day they just said it’s all about the safety of passengers.”

The ferry ultimately made its way to shore at about 8.30pm.

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