The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has called on Irish Ferries to accept liability for the  damage that haulage operators incurred on board the Epsilon, when the ferry sailed into  Storm Imogen while en route from Cherbourg in France.

The incident happened on Sunday 7 February as the Epsilon ferry encountered Storm Imogen off  the coast of Devon in England.

IRHA President Verona Murphy is calling on Irish Ferries to accept liability for the damage caused  to trucks on board the ferry at the time of the incident.

“’The IRHA is calling on Irish Ferries to treat this near titanic style disaster with due respect to the  hauliers involved and calls on Irish Ferries to accept liability so as not to add to an already  overwhelming insurance crisis faced by its members and the industry,” she told HGVIreland.com.
Hauliers in Ireland are currently experiencing between 70 per cent and 100 increases on insurance  policies in some cases without claims.

“We are appreciative in this instance that there is no loss of life given the stories reported from  drivers and passengers. Unfortunately some drivers have vowed never to board a ship again which  will ultimately serve to increase the driver shortage we already face as it may mean leaving their  employment,” Ms Murphy added.

“If liability is denied by Irish Ferries in this instance, the insurance claims faced by hauliers  concerned would be a basis for open season on policies going forward, where there is no wrong  doing by the haulier at any instance in this case , then this should be recognised by the shipping
company who should seek to put this to bed for there customers as quickly and painlessly as  possible.”

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