Pont-Aven Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The renowned ferry 'Pont Aven', which recently underwent dry-docking in Gdansk, will not make its expected return to service on March 27, 2020, and will remain out of operation until at least April 9, 2020. Originally, she was set to facilitate essential travel on routes connecting Portsmouth, Santander, Plymouth, Roscoff, and Cork. In light of this change, all passengers with confirmed bookings are advised that they will receive a full refund for their tickets.

On the afternoon of September 26, 2023, the Brittany Ferries vessel 'Pont Aven', operating on the route from Santander to Plymouth, experienced a rare and concerning situation involving two medical evacuations. The first incident occurred around 1 p.m. when a 36-year-old British passenger required urgent medical attention. A helicopter promptly airlifted the individual, ensuring quick transport to a hospital in Brest for necessary treatment. Throughout the situation, fellow passengers were kept informed via tannoy announcements to alleviate concerns. Later in the day, at approximately 5 p.m., a second medevac took place, this time involving a 78-year-old passenger who also needed immediate medical care. The helicopter successfully transported him to Derriford Hospital. Following these critical incidents, the 'Pont Aven' continued its journey toward Plymouth, albeit arriving about 1 hour and 20 minutes later than expected, with an updated estimated time of arrival at 6:30 p.m. For more details, the report can be found with video coverage at Plymouth Herald.

A tragic event unfolded on July 2 when a 26-year-old Irish passenger lost his life aboard the ferry 'Pont-Aven' during its crossing from Cork to Roscoff. The incident occurred between 8 and 9 p.m., following the young man's boarding at 4 p.m. in Cork. Despite immediate medical efforts from the ship’s nurse and remote assistance from the Maritime Medical Consultation Center in Toulouse, attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. Reports indicate that the young man, who had a disability and was using respiratory support, was deemed fit to travel although the circumstances surrounding his health on this crossing were evidently serious.