Read Authentic Ratings for the European-Highlander

On June 1, 2023, the ferry 'European Highlander', which operates routes between Larne and Cairnryan, encountered a technical malfunction. This unexpected issue led to the cancellation of the planned sailings at 12:00 PM from Larne and at 4:00 PM from Cairnryan. Fortunately, the vessel underwent necessary repairs and was able to return to service later the same day.

On the afternoon of February 12, 2026, at precisely 1:21 p.m., a passenger tragically fell overboard from the European Highlander ferry while it was navigating the Irish Sea, heading from Cairnryan to Larne. In response to the emergency, the Larne and Portmuck Coastguard Rescue Teams were quickly deployed, alongside RNLI lifeboats from both Larne and Donaghadee. The HM Coastguard rescue helicopter also joined the mission to locate the missing individual. The RNLI launched its all-weather lifeboat from Larne shortly after the incident at 1:25 p.m., with the Donaghadee RNLI being alerted to assist in the search efforts. Their lifeboat was launched at 2:45 p.m. Numerous vessels were involved in the search operation, including both P&O ferries, the European Causeway and European Highlander, as well as lifeboats designated as '14-30' and 'RNLI 14-21', and additional boats like the Farra Emer and Ocean Voyager II. The extensive and coordinated search took place across the North Channel near Stranraer, but unfortunately, the search operations were halted without any sign of the missing passenger. As the situation develops, the maritime community remains hopeful for a positive outcome.

On April 21, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) initiated a comprehensive evaluation of the 'European Highlander' at the port of Larne. This ferry, which typically runs between Larne and Cairnryan, is undergoing a meticulous inspection process prior to resuming its operations. MCA surveyors are focused on ensuring the vessel adheres to international safety regulations concerning crew manning and operational protocols. Special attention is being paid to emergency response measures, including firefighting capabilities and passenger evacuation procedures, as the ferry prepares for its return to service.

In a significant and controversial move, P&O Ferries executed a complete overhaul of its workforce on March 17, 2022, ordering all ships back into port. The decision resulted in the termination of approximately 800 crew members, who are to be replaced with less costly agency staff. Currently, the P&O fleet is stationed as follows, all out of service: - Pride of Kent / Canterbury = Dover - Spirit of Britain = Dover - Spirit of France = Schiedam (under refit) - Pride of Hull = Hull - Pride of Rotterdam = Rotterdam - European Highlander = Cairnryan - European Causeway = Larne - Norbay = Liverpool - Norbank = Liverpool As of now, it remains uncertain whether Dutch vessels will be influenced by these crew replacement initiatives. However, replacement crews are already on standby at various locations including Dover, Cairnryan, and Larne.

On June 26, 2019, the ferry 'European Highlander' made its much-anticipated return to the port of Larne after a six-week hiatus spent undergoing extensive refitting at Cammel Yard. Initially slated for just a three-week stay at the Wirral Yard, unforeseen complications surfaced during the dry docking process, necessitating additional repairs and updates to the vessel. The successful completion of this refit marks a significant milestone for the ferry service, ensuring that the 'European Highlander' is ready to resume operations efficiently.