FERRY operator Stena Line has cancelled four sailings after a crew member tested positive for Covid-19.
Two sailings between Cairnryan and Belfast were stopped yesterday, while another two were cancelled today.
The company said the crew member had tested positive on a lateral flow test and was now self-isolating, along with four other crew members who were identified as close contacts.
In a statement, the company said: "We regret to inform our passengers that in accordance with Stena Line’s comprehensive safety protocol procedures, the 19.30hrs departure from Cairnryan and 23:30 departure from Belfast on 8th September have been cancelled, as have the 03:45hrs departure from Cairnryan and the 07:30hrs departure from Belfast on 9th September, following a crew member returning a positive Covid-19 lateral flow test (LFT).
"The crew member and four other onboard close contact crew members are now self-isolating and, as a further precaution, the rest of the crew are undergoing testing.
"Stena Line is currently working with the local and Port health authorities in Scotland in a bid to restore the service as quickly as possible, adhering to all prevailing public health safety protocols.
"We apologise to our passengers for the inconvenience this causes."
It said it had acted in accordance with its "comprehensive safety protocol procedures".
"We apologise to our passengers for the inconvenience," Stena added.
"Stena Line is currently working with the local and port health authorities in Scotland in a bid to restore the service as quickly as possible, adhering to all prevailing public health safety protocols," the company added.
