Updated, 22:50

A STENA LINE ferry remains off Rosslare Harbour, and unable to dock, after colliding with another ferry when trying to make land during heavy winds this evening.

The Stena Europe craft was attempting to dock on arrival from Fishguard when it made contact with the Irish Ferries ‘Oscar Wilde’ ferry, which was in port at the time.

A Met Éireann buoy stationed off Co Wexford showed gusts of up to 35 knots being present at about 6pm when the incident occurred.

The docking was postponed and the Stena craft remains just off the port, while it awaits the departure of the Irish Ferries craft.

That sailing was due to leave at 9:30pm, but is not now due to leave Rosslare until about 11:30pm – after which time the Stena ferry will be able to dock, about six hours behind schedule.

RTÉ said there were 454 passengers on board the Stena Line vessel, along with 71 crew. A spokeswoman for Stena Line told the Irish Examiner that everyone on board is safe and that there were no injuries.

A recorded message on Stena Line’s telephone service described the incident as “a technical problem on board”.

The Stena Europe’s return journey overnight to Fishguard, and tomorrow morning’s Fishguard-Rosslare sailing, have both been cancelled.