A medical emergency has forced the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to return to Geelong, delaying the vessel’s scheduled arrival in Tasmania by several hours.
The ferry, which was operating a day sailing, is now expected to arrive in Devonport at 2am on Friday.
A Spirit of Tasmania spokesperson confirmed the vessel was returning to its Victorian port due to a passenger requiring urgent medical attention.
The delay will have flow-on effects for the vessel’s return sailing from Tasmania.

““Check in for the Devonport departure tomorrow will open at 12.30am and close at 2.15am. The ship will leave Devonport as soon as practical. That is expected to be between 330am and 4am,” the spokesperson said.
The ferry will resume its journey “as soon as practical” after the affected passenger has disembarked at Geelong.

The company has assured travellers booked on the sister vessel, Spirit of Tasmania II, that its schedule remains unaffected by the incident.