Families travelling on a cross-Channel ferry were subjected to a shocking ordeal when hardcore pornography was accidentally broadcast on lounge televisions, prompting an official apology from the shipping company.
Chaotic Crossing for Families
The incident occurred aboard the DFDS Transmanche ferry sailing from Dieppe in France to Newhaven. Passengers, including many children, had initially been watching the Formula One Grand Prix on large screens in the recliner lounge area.
According to witness accounts, the situation quickly deteriorated when screaming erupted throughout the lounge. One anonymous passenger described the scene to The Argus newspaper, stating she saw children sprinting out of the area while visibly distressed parents rushed to reception demanding the television be turned off.
"I couldn't see it [the porn] but it was audible," the passenger revealed. "There were parents explaining to their children that not all adults do that, it was a bit mad."
Technical Troubles Compound Journey Woes
The inappropriate broadcast came during an already stressful journey for passengers. A technical fault at Newhaven meant that car passengers faced being sent back to France, causing significant delays.
It was during this extended waiting period that passengers had requested to watch the Grand Prix to pass the time. The crew accommodated the request but were reportedly unaware of what would follow the race broadcast.
A DFDS spokesperson confirmed: "Unfortunately, the crew were not aware that once this programme finished, the next item to be broadcast was an adult film."
Company Response and Preventative Measures
DFDS has issued a formal apology for the incident, expressing that they are "very sorry" for the "understandable upset and anger" caused to families who witnessed the inappropriate content.
The company has taken immediate action to prevent any recurrence of such an incident. "Once the crew were alerted to the content by a passenger the channel was swiftly changed," the spokesperson stated. "Moreover, the channel has now been removed from the list of available stations on the ship to ensure that this will not happen again."
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in managing onboard entertainment systems and the importance of robust content controls when families are present.
