Port of Calais reopens after passenger ferry runs aground

Tug boats work to refloat the ferry. Credit: ITV News

The Port of Calais in France has reopened after a passenger ferry ran aground in heavy winds.

A total of 316 people, including 208 passengers, are reported to have been on board the P&O ship which has since been refloated.

The incident happened as the region was hit by 75mph winds during Storm Ana.

Video clips posted online show tugboats struggling to refloat the Pride of Kent during the heavy winds.

A P&O spokesman said no-one was injured and the passengers were transferred to another vessel.

He said: "We can confirm that one of our ships ran aground whilst leaving the Port of Calais.

"There are no reported injuries, the ship was refloated within two hours."

P&O Ferries Updates posted on Twitter at about 5.45pm on Sunday: "#POCalais and #PODover: We are happy to tell you that #POCalais is reopened now, all teams are working hard to get you on your way Asap."