Only one of P&O Ferries' eight services has been cleared to sail more than three weeks after its shock mass sacking of 800 seafarers. Eight ferries were affected by the firings, with only one being cleared to continue its service, according to The Mirror.
Two other ferries were detained by Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), with the rest of them still awaiting inspections. The Pride of Rotterdam and the Norbank ferry between Liverpool and Dublin were not impacted.
The MCA said: "There are no further inspections of P&O Ferries at the moment and we will reinspect at the appropriate time."
Sailings from Dover to Calais have been cancelled this weekend, threatening to affect travellers hoping to get abroad during the Easter period. The company said it will provide full refunds for anyone due to travel on the route this weekend. A spokesperson told The Mirror: "From this weekend, P&O Ferries are getting ready to resume services across a number of vital routes.
"P&O has been working closely with regulators to ensure our ships are safe to sail. P&O is looking forward to welcoming back vital services and we expect to have two of our vessels ready to sail on the Dover-Calais route by next week, subject to regulatory sign-off, namely both the Pride of Kent and Spirit of Britain between Dover-Calais.
"P&O are also expecting to be able to sail both the European Causeway which runs between Larne and Cairnryan; and the Pride of Hull, which runs services between Hull and Rotterdam."
P&O Ferries boss Peter Hebblethwaite admitted the firm knowingly broke the law in making the firings last month. A criminal investigation has been launched into the sackings, while politicians have called for a public inquiry over the matter.
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