Foot and Bicycle Ferry connecting
​Harwich - Shotley and Felixstowe
​since 1912
​Due to storm damage the ferry is closed from Friday 25.09.2020
Help to repair the ferry. Donate here

​26th September 2020

The owners of the historic Harwich Harbour Ferry, which was severely damaged when storm force winds battered the coast, have pledged to fight to save the service.

The 10 ton, 40 foot former lifeboat was secured at her usual mooring at Ha’penny Pier, Harwich, when a storm hit on Friday. Winds gusting much stronger than forecasted by experts wrenched the foot ferry from her moorings and cast her adrift.

Chris and Lucy Zemann, who took over the Harwich, Shotley and Felixstowe ferry in 2015, said: “We are devastated that this has happened. We have started assessing the damage, but it is clear we can’t operate for the rest of the season, which was due to last for another month. Although the ferry took on a lot of water and was half submerged, on Saturday morning the harbour authority were able to tow her to a safe haven. Previously a lifeboat on the SS Canberra, she didn’t capsize and is still afloat.

“We are determined to resume our ferry operation next season, save our livelihood and continue to serve the communities of Harwich, Shotley and Felixstowe.

“We are grateful to the team at Harwich Haven Authority, the RNLI and other members of the wonderful community in Harwich who have already rallied around to support us and offered so much practical help and advice.

“Local reaction to this terrible incident has yet again brought home to us how much the Harwich Harbour Ferry is loved by these communities. When we resumed operations after lockdown in mid-May, we were delighted by the demand for trips and happy to be carrying passengers again. We were excitedly planning for the future, so the damage caused by the storm has come as a huge blow, but we fight our way back.

“We will post updates on our social media and our website over the coming days.”