Sark is not benefitting from the summer sunshine most people have been enjoying, with a drop in visitor numbers from Guernsey being blamed on a technical problem with one of its ferry services.
Sark Chamber of Commerce has said it is concerned about the recent "multiple cancellations of the ferry link from France/Jersey provided by Manche Iles."
The statement released by the Chamber of Commerce said people wanting to visit Sark are being treated as a lesser priority than those wanting to travel between Guernsey and Jersey.
"Whilst we very much appreciate that breakdowns are part of running any transport system, we are very concerned about the way the company has prioritised its sailings with the remaining operational vessel.
"In a nutshell, we appear to be the second choice to the "new" inter island service."
This is said to be having an immediate impact on visitor numbers with Sark's already fragile tourist economy said to be struggling to cope.
"We are currently running at 5-6% below last year's numbers on passengers from Guernsey. Our very fragile visitor economy cannot sustain losing the passenger numbers from France/Jerseyt without businesses suffering greatly.
"One of our major hotels has suffered many thousands of pounds in cancellations and subsequent late arrivals. Guest houses and self catering establishments have also suffered revenue starving cancellations.
"This unfortunate situation only serves to highlight how fragile our visitor economy is and how little it takes to spoil a season."
The Sark Chamber of Commerce said this situation is further proof that the post of a customs officer on the island is vitally needed.
"We feel that this situation also highlights the desperate need for Sark to remove all of the existing barriers to a direct travel service to Sark from the greater continent of Europe.
"The sooner we implement direct sailings from France, the sooner any event such as this will not sabotage our season.
"We call upon our Government to grasp the mettle and pave the way for a potentially economy changing passenger route that is on our doorstep."
Pictured: The Sark Chamber of Commerce has voice its concerns over the cancellation of a ferry service to the island
Manche Iles has confirmed the Granville will be out of service until 12 August while technical problems are dealt with.
As the company's other boat, the Victor Hugo, cannot safely operate out of Aldermney, Dielette, Carteret and Sark's harbours, services to those destinations have been affected.
Extra sailings to Sark have beem arranged through Isle of Sark Shipping though to ensure some visitors can get to the island.
Pictured: Manche Iles Express has agreed some extra sailings with Isle of Sark Shipping to ensure some passengers can still reach the island while their own boat, the Granville, is out of action
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