Medical emergency forces Liberation to return to Poole

Tuesday 28 August 2018

A woman fell over on board the Condor Liberation, reportedly breaking her hip, as the ferry made its way from the UK to Guernsey over the Bank Holiday weekend.

A spokesman said the medical emergency happened on Sunday 26 August as the "ship was travelling in sheltered waters in the Poole channel."

The passenger was injured shortly after the boat had left the port, and was initially attended to by members of the Condor staff on board.

The spokesman said their condition was assessed and medical advice recommended a return to port for further treatment which then happened. An ambulance was waiting to meet the ship when she docked and the casualty was taken ashore by paramedics as soon as the boat arrived back in Poole at 17:45.

Condor's spokesman said the passenger is now "recovering well in hospital" and they also wanted to "commend the team on Liberation for their prompt actions along with passengers, including a doctor, who attended."

Condor crews across its fleet are trained to handle a range of medical emergencies and the spokesperson said on this occasion they did exactly what was expected and needed of them. 

The decision to return to Poole after the passenger's accident would have resulted in delays for all other people on board the boat which was sailing to Guernsey and then on to Jersey, but the spokesman said that was necessary at the time. 

"Decisions are always taken in passengers’ best interests and on this occasion, a return to the port of departure was deemed the most appropriate course of action," he said. 

Pictured top: The Condor Liberation