European Causeway operates from Cairnryan in Scotland to Larne in Northern Ireland and was initially detained following the sacking of P&O Ferries’ seafarers in March.

The MCA said: ““Our surveyors are carrying out a full inspection of P&O Ferries vessel European Causeway. This follows the mechanical failure while it was at sea yesterday. It is important to note that this does NOT [MCA emphasis] mean the ferry is under detention, but will be inspected before it returns to full service.”