COASTGUARD INSPECTION CUTS CRUISE SHORT

Inspectors from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) at Dover, Kent, boarded the ‘Ocean Glory 1’ and found a long list of deficiencies, including problems with fire doors and hoses in the engine room and sub-standard passenger accommodation.

As many as 600 passengers, many thought to be British, were told to leave the ship, due to the serious faults with the vessel. Some returned home while others were found places to stay in the Dover area.

The ‘Ocean Glory’, built in 1950 and capable of carrying 845 passengers, set sail from Lisbon in Portugal, where an inspection was also carried out.

A Dover Coastguard spokesman said: "The ship has now been arrested and is not allowed to leave port. We understand most of the passengers were British. Many have simply gone home.

"The officers we believe are Greek while the crew is Ukrainian. There are a number of deficiencies. I understand the accommodation is not up to scratch and there are problems in the engine room with things like fire doors."

The ship, operated by Magic Cruises, will be kept at Dover until repairs are carried out and the vessel passes a new inspection, the spokesman added.