13 Crew Fail Random Drug Test Aboard P&O Ferry

Pride of Canterbury. File Photo: Fabian318/CC BY-SA 3.0

Over ten percent of crew members aboard the P&O Ferries car and passenger ferry Pride of Canterbury have been suspended and may end up getting fired after testing positive for drugs.

British media is reporting that 13 crew failed the random drug test carried out last week by the company aboard the roll-on/roll-off ferry Pride of Canterbury during its regularly scheduled service between Dover and Calais. 

The crew members testing positive for drugs have been suspended and may end up getting fired.

“As part of routine drugs testing of our crews, 13 individuals on the Pride of Canterbury recorded non-negative tests, which have now been sent for further analysis,” P&O Ferries said in a statement published by The Sun.

“P&O Ferries operates a zero tolerance policy towards substance abuse and any employees not complying with it will be dismissed.

“Urine tests were carried out on Thursday during a number of crossings between Dover and Calais over a four hour period.

“No substances were found but Port of Dover Police have been routinely informed,” the statement said.

It’s unclear if there is any connection between the crew members involved, what type of drugs they tested positive for, or if they were high while at work or simply had drugs in their system.  The Sky reported that some of the crew involved were from the “decking” department. No officers are believed to be involved.

The Pride of Canterbury has a crew size of 104.

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