A FERRY collided with the quayside in Harwich as it tried to dock in high winds.

The DFDS Sirena Seaways ferry crashed as it attempted to dock at Harwich International Port at 12.10pm on Saturday.

The ferry was carrying 489 passengers and had just arrived from Esbjerg in Denmark when it crashed.

No passengers were thought to be injured in the collision and all were able to disembark the boat safely.

The boat was damaged and began listing after taking on water.

Essex Police, six fire crews and Harwich RNLI were called to the scene.

Fire station officer Terry Jewell said the ship's own crew plugged the hole from inside and built a compartment with water tight doors to stem the leak as part of regular safety precautions.

"This is one of the regular ferries that comes into Harwich and as it docked it hit the side of the quay making a hole under the water line,” he said.

“The ship was made stable and we stood by as a precaution while the vessel was moved so that ramps could come down and passengers leave.

"The ship's crew worked swiftly to put their safety plans into practice immediately the accident happened."

Passengers had to wait on board for three hours while the vessel was re-berthed.

A spokesman for DFDS Seaways: “We can confirm that Sirena Seaways sustained some damage on entering the port at Harwich during a scheduled arrival.

“This resulted in the late discharge of the ship. There is no danger to passengers or crew.

“We would like to apologise to passengers for any inconvenience caused to their travel plans.”

Departures from Harwich to Esbjerg at 5.45pm on Saturday and from Esbjerg to Harwich on Sunday at 6.45pm have been cancelled.