"Catastrophic" engine failure stops Channel Island ferry

Islands Unlimited won't sail again this season after engineers discovered the 'catastrophic' failure of an internal engine part.

The Islands Unlimited vessel San Pawl broke down one week ago, just before the Bank Holiday weekend.

Sailings were suspended while a mechanical problem was investigated.

Today (4 September), the company has confirmed the discovery of a "catastrophic" internal engine failure, which could not have been identified through a routine inspection or maintenance.

They say sourcing, installing and testing replacement parts will not be a quick process, so they are ending the 2026 sailing season now to prevent customers from "facing continued uncertainty over future sailings."

The vessel was due to keep sailing until late October '26.

Operations Manager of Islands Unlimited Jack Kitching thanks passengers for their patience.

“While we are naturally disappointed that our 2026 season has come to an earlier end than planned, our commitment to the Channel Islands and the future of inter-island travel is as strong as ever.

"This was an unexpected and unforeseeable technical failure, and our team has explored every realistic option to get San Pawl back into service.

"Unfortunately, the timescales involved in sourcing and installing a replacement engine now extend beyond the end of our planned season."

Despite the early end, Jack says 2026 was a positive year for the company.

"More than 30,000 passenger movements have been carried by Islands Unlimited during 2026, demonstrating once again the very real demand for regular, affordable and convenient travel between the Channel Islands.

"Throughout the season, Islands Unlimited has provided a level of dedicated inter-island capacity that is simply not available elsewhere in the market.

"That demand, and the thousands of passengers who have chosen to travel with us, gives us enormous confidence in both the need for the service and its future.

"The Channel Islands need strong inter-island connectivity, and we remain determined to play our part in providing it.

"Our focus now turns firmly towards 2027."

In the coming months, the necessary engine replacement and associated works will take place to get the San Pawl back into working order.

Islands Unlimited, though independent, has been backed by the States of Guernsey to operate a day trip service and in June this year was provided with a £75,000 marketing grant.