A ferry that crashed into the quayside at Harwich has returned to duty after a two-week absence.

Almost 500 passengers were left stranded on the DFDS Sirena Seaways for more than two hours after it struck Harwich International Port on June 22.

The vessel, which was listing after the accident, ran into a hydraulic boarding ramp at Parkeston Quay which left the 23,000-tonne ferry needing repairs.

The repairs were carried out in dry dock in Germany, meaning that journeys on the Harwich to Esbjerg, Denmark, service were suspended but the ferry is now back in action.

A DFDS spokeswoman said the boat was expected to resume normal service last night sailing from Esbjerg to Harwich.

She added: “The damage to Sirena Seaways was assessed in the dry dock in Bremerhaven in Germany and repairs were made on the bulb and the bow of the ship.

“The bow thruster room also required some repairs and cleaning following water damage.

“The repairs have been completed and approved and the ship left the yard on Thursday to return to Esbjerg.”

The berthing accident is currently under investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. The cause has not been revealed.