Stena Feronia (1997/21,865gt), sailing between Birkenhead and Belfast while regular route vessels Stena Mersey and Stena Lagan went in turn for extended refits by Harland and Wolff, Belfast, needed shipyard attention herself after colliding with the cargo vessel Union Moon in Belfast Lough on 7 March. The cargo vessel was heading for Dagenham with stones.
There were no injuries and Stena Feronia, reportedly holed above the water line, was able to berth in Belfast, and the bow of Union Moon was substantially damaged. The master of the coaster was subsequently arrested by the MCA on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol.
