Ferries were cancelled this morning after a barge carrying a crane broke free from its moorings and drifted dangerously in the River Mersey.
At around 10.10pm last night, a Skylift 23 Jack-up barge became detached from its berth at 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead.
It was left drifting until Liverpool Coastguard boats came to the rescue and managed to secure it at Langton Dock in Bootle.
This morning, the barge could be seen at the Pier Head where the landing stage had been damaged at some stage during the recovery.
One employee described it as a "technical issue with the gangway."
Merseytravel said work was ongoing to repair the problem, and it was hoped the ferries would start running later on today.
A Peel Ports spokesman said, ”We can confirm that at approximately 22:30 on Tuesday 10th December, the Skylift 23 Jack-up barge broke free from 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead.
"We immediately mobilised tugs and support vessels to safely secure the Jack-up barge and recover her into the Port of Liverpool docks.
"A full investigation will follow today.”
Liverpool Coastguard said: "At around 10.10pm last night, HM Coastguard was called to assist after reports that a barge had come free of its moorings and was drifting in the River Mersey.
"Merseyside police, New Brighton RNLI lifeboat and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, which sent a rigid inflatable boat, all attended along with coastguard rescue teams from Wirral and Crosby which were sent to monitor the situation and to assist with crowd control.
"The barge was towed by tugboats downriver and was secured alongside Langton Dock."
A Merseytravel spokesperson said: “The Pier Head landing stage was damaged following an incident last night and as a result the Mersey Ferries are currently not running.
“We are investigating the circumstances around the incident and our engineers are on site assessing the damage.
"We will do everything we can to get the Mersey Ferries services running again and initial indications are that this will be today.”
One commuter, from New Brighton, said: "I usually get the ferry to work twice or three times a week - and check for updates before leaving home.
"But today I was shocked to arrive at the Seacombe terminal and be told the ferries weren't running due to a crane hitting the terminal.
"It's very concerning and hopefully they'll resolve the situation as quickly as possible."
