Flint coastguard called into action after Mersey ferry with over 70 onboard runs aground.

Flint Coastguard officers were called into action on Sunday to assist with a major incident in the River Mersey involving a ferry. 

Picture: Flint Coastguard

A Mersey Ferry, the Royal Iris was making its way along the river prior to joining the canal at Eastham Lock when it ran aground, a hole formed in the ferry’s hull as a result.

The vessel, with over 70 people on board was being used for a day cruise from Seacombe, Wirral, along the Manchester Ship canal to Salford Quays.

Who knew liverpool had a mud rescue unit eh?? V reassuring indeed pic.twitter.com/pfL3sf0alt

— Jonathan Whittaker (@Jmw8856) July 10, 2016

Flint Coastguard rescue team were paged by Holyhead’s Coastguard operations centre at around 1.30pm, the teams second ‘shout’ of the day.

The Flint-based rescue team made their way to Eastham lock to assist their Wirral counterparts with the rescue of the passengers.

Rescue has arrived!! pic.twitter.com/hH3McK69Ak

— Jonathan Whittaker (@Jmw8856) July 10, 2016

A passing dredger, the Deo Gloria helped pump water from the stricken ferry, passengers were then transferred to the dredger.

Both vessels were escorted into the QE2 dock at Eastham by an RNLI boat and hovercraft along with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service boat

The dock gates were closed and passengers were helped to disembark from the dredger on to the quayside.

Firefighters assisted in pumping out the water from the ferry while awaiting the arrival of two further tugs.

Coastguard officers assisted passengers and carried out welfare checks.

A Merseytravel spokesman said:

“We can confirm that the Royal Iris ferry Manchester Ship Canal cruise was abandoned today following reports of the ferry taking on water.

“The relevant emergency services were called immediately. At no time were passengers in danger and they were safely transferred to a dredger, the Deo Gloria.

“The Royal Iris is being escorted into the Eastham lock system and we will investigate the cause of this incident. We apologise to our passengers and would like to thank them for their cooperation this afternoon.”

No passengers or crew required any medical attention.