A ferry service which crosses from Gravesend to a south Essex town was suspended after one of its boats crashed into an historic pier.

JetStream Tours services between Gravesend and Tilbury were cancelled yesterday afternoon (July 19) after the Thames Kestrel hit Gravesend Town Pier and sustained damage.

Passengers onboard during the crash were uninjured and able to leave the ferry, the tour service operator said yesterday. However, the service was suspended for the rest of the day.

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A statement issued on the JetStream Tours website yesterday read: "Earlier today, one of the vessels operating on the ferry, the Thames Kestrel, had a collision with the pier and sustained some damage. The passengers onboard at the time were all safely landed ashore.  The service has been suspended for today. 

"We are working with the port authority and MCA on the investigation of the cause of the incident and the impact on the service.  We are keeping our website and social media platforms up to date for those using the service. Those wishing to use the ferry today but are now unable to do so will be able to travel on the ferry ticket via the X80 bus."

Customers were advised to seek alternative routes during the morning.

The firm has now confirmed it was given clearance to re-open the service this morning, and the crossings started again at 10.05am.