The Sandbanks-to-Studland link across the entrance to Poole Harbour, operated by the quaintly-named Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company, was suspended during November while the chain ferry Bramble Bush Bay is at Southampton for bi-annual dry docking.
Built at Hessle, Yorkshire by Richard Dunston and in service since January 1994, the vessel can carry up to 48 cars and 400passengers and needed two tugs for the six-hour journeys to and from Southampton.
Bramble Bush Bay is only the fourth ferry to serve the Motor Road and Ferry Company since its formation in 1923, and during her absence drivers face a 25-mile road trip around Poole Harbour to reach Swanage. Bramble Bush Bay stood down on 1 November 2010 and returned to service at thebeginning of December.
