Sandbanks Ferry returns to Dorset with new Cornish paint job

Damaged Sandbanks Ferry has arrived back in Poole Harbour for repairs to be completed, after undergoing scheduled maintenance in Falmouth in Cornwall.

The ferry which usually operates between Studland and Sandbanks was towed home on Tuesday 7th February 2023.

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Sandbanks Ferry returning to Poole
Callum Wills

After a number of delays and mishaps, the ferry returns home nearly four months later, with a red bottom!

Ferry at Studland

Pictured in Studland before travelling to Falmouth, the ferry’s hull was clearly painted a dark blue

Undergone a full repaint

Watching the ferry as it crossed Swanage Bay around 4 pm, onlookers noticed that it had undergone a full repaint while it was away. When it left in November 2022, the hull was painted blue but it’s now red.

The chain ferry service has been out of action since Monday 31st October 2022 when it was towed to Falmouth in Cornwall for scheduled maintenance.

Sandbanks Ferry returning to Poole
Caroline Abbott
Sandbanks Ferry returning to Poole
Caroline Abbott
Sandbanks Ferry returning to Poole
Caroline Abbott

Spotted as it was towed across Swanage Bay, the ferry is now a blush red

Damaged during sea journey

It was meant to be back by December 2022 but the southern end prow was damaged during the sea journey, which caused a delay to its return.

Initially it was thought that the new prows would be fitted in Falmouth but now the plan is to complete the repair work in Poole.

Danica Violet delivers the new Sandbanks Ferry Prow
Kev Mitchell

The new prow sections are unloaded from the cargo ship in Poole Harbour

Danica Violet delivers the new Sandbanks Ferry Prow
Kev Mitchell

Danica Violet arrived from Gdansk in Poland with the new parts for the ferry

Two new prow sections

The two new prow sections arrived on the cargo ship Danica Violet from Poland on Monday 6th February 2023.

Now with both the new parts and the ferry back in Poole, the repair work should be completed soon.

This will be followed by safety and operational checks and sea trials before the ferry with its smart new paintwork returns to service. This is anticipated to be by the end of February 2023.

Further information

  • More about the Sandbanks Ferry and its return to service is on its website

More photos of the ferry’s homecoming

Sandbanks Ferry and Old Harry
Caroline Abbott
Sandbanks Ferry returning to Poole
Caroline Abbott
Sandbanks Ferry returning to Poole

The Sandbanks Ferry towed passed Old Harry

Sandbanks Ferry in Poole Harbour
Caroline Abbott
Sandbanks Ferry in Poole Harbour
Caroline Abbott

The Bramble Bush Bay back home in Poole Harbour

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