Inquiry after lorry driver died as ferry unloaded

An inquiry has been launched after a ferry passenger travelling from Dover to Dunkirk died as vehicles were being unloaded.

Ferry operator DFDS confirmed that a lorry driver died onboard the vessel Delft Seaways on 12 May.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch said it had begun a preliminary assessment into the fatal injury "during vehicle discharge" from the roll-on/roll-off ferry.

A DFDS spokesperson said the company was co-operating with the investigation and offered "sincere condolences to the family of the person involved".

The ship was held in the French port while an initial investigation took place, according to DFDS.

The operator cancelled subsequent voyages for the vessel that day.

The UK-flagged ferry was built in 2005 and can carry up to 1,000 passengers, according to DFDS.

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