A PASSENGER ferry had to spend 26 hours at sea over the weekend after stormy seas prevented it from fully docking at Fishguard Harbour.

Stena Europe left Rosslare Harbour in Ireland on Saturday morning (January 31) and arrived in Fishguard Harbour at around lunch time.

But rough seas meant it failed to carry out its normal docking procedure, with only foot passengers able to disembark.

A Stena Line spokesperson said: “Due to adverse weather conditions at Fishguard on Saturday the Stena Europe had to berth stern first, which is the reverse of normal docking procedures at Fishguard.

“Once in port it was identified that a freight trailer had overturned in the difficult sea conditions preventing the disembarkation of all vehicle traffic due to the fact that the ship berthed stern first.

“However, we were able to disembark all foot passengers and the vessel went back to sea until weather conditions improved to allow the ship to berth bow first and safely disembark all remaining vehicle and freight passengers.”

A marine traffic website showed the ferry headed north to take shelter off the Llyn Peninsula on Saturday night before returning to Fishguard Harbour in calmer waters. It arrived back in port shortly before midday on Sunday.

Meanwhile the north of Pembrokeshire has been experiencing disruption due to heavy snow showers.

On Monday, Ysgol y Preseli in Crymych had to send pupils home early after prolonged snow fall and on Tuesday Ysgol Ger y Llan in Letterston had to open late due to icy conditions in the car park.

Gritting teams have also been out in force on the roads, with the B4329 from New Inn over the top of the Preselis towards Tafarn y Bwlch, the B4332 Eglwyswrw towards Blaenffos and Maenclochog to Llys y Fran among the worst affected areas.

Motorists and pedestrians are advised to take care on untreated roads and pavements.