Storm Babet: Shields Ferry services to be suspended into the weekend due to storm conditions

Shields Ferry operators Nexus has confirmed the service taking pedestrians between North Shields and South Shields is to be suspended until Saturday, October 21 due to Storm Babet.

The storm first hit the east coast of the UK on the afternoon of Thursday, October 19 and has been the cause of two days of yellow weather warnings from the Met Office for heavy rain and wind throughout Friday and Saturday this week.

Replacement taxi services will be in place between the two towns on either side of the Tyne.

A statement from Nexus on Thursday afternoon read: “The Shields Ferry is to remain suspended for the rest of today and all day tomorrow, Friday 20 October, due to Storm Babet.

“Nexus, the public body which owns and operates the cross Tyne service, said the storm had created a tidal swell which meant services have had to be withdrawn as a safety precaution.

“The Ferry crew continue to monitor the conditions on the river, which are expected to worsen, with more heavy rain and high winds forecast for North East England until around 6am on Saturday.

“A replacement taxi service will be provided tomorrow, with a 16-seater vehicle running between the two ferry landings via Tyne Tunnel.

“It has not been possible to source replacement buses today due to the Go North East strike and other operators being stretched covering school transport.

“Shields Ferry tickets are being accepted on Metro, and customers can also travel between North Shields and South Shields on Stagecoach services 10 and 11.”

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“Customer Services Director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “Ferry crossings are going to remain off for the rest of Thursday and all day on Friday due to Storm Babet.

“The storm has created a tidal swell which means we can’t dock the boats at our north landing. Strong winds are also expected tomorrow. The suspension is in the interests of safety. We will monitor the conditions with the aim of resuming services as usual on Saturday, 21 October.

“We have sourced a replacement taxi bus service for Friday, running every half an hour via the Tyne Tunnel.

“Unfortunately, we have been unable to arrange a replacement bus service today due to the Go North East strike and other local bus operators being stretched covering school transport services.

“I’m grateful to customers for their patience during this disruption.”

Travellers wanting to make the trip can check service updates will appear on the Nexus website website, www.nexus.org.uk and on the Shields Ferry’s Facebook page.