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Mersey ferry to be sailed by woman in 800-year first

Phil Cunliffeand
Richard Baker,North West
News imageBBC Ellie stands behind the wheel of the ferry, looking out to sea. She has brown hair and blue eyes and is wearing a black zip-up fleece.BBC
Ellie Vondy is on track to become the first female skipper of Mersey Ferries

A Liverpool woman hopes to make history as the first female captain of the Mersey Ferry.

Ellie Vondy, 30, is in the first year of a three year apprenticeship course which could lead her to becoming skipper of Mersey Ferries' Royal Iris vessel - for the first time in its near 800 year history.

Anfield-born Vondy said: "It's sad that no women have occupied this space before" but added her mission to become skipper was a "step in the right direction".

Before the modern-day sailings started in the 1960s, Benedictine Monks had organised crossings over the River Mersey since 1150 AD and since then, captaining its vessels have historically been the preserve of men.

News imageThe Royal Iris ship sailing away from the city centre of Liverpool. The skyline of Liverpool is seen in the distance. The ship is painted in the traditional white, black and red.
There have been ferries on the Mersey since 1150AD, and the crossing from Birkenhead to Liverpool has been a royal highway since 1330

Currently, Vondy is in the training phase of her apprenticeship course - which is split near-half between theory classes, learning about safety and firefighting, along with hands-on work on the vessel.

"We also learn sea survival, where we had to basically jump from a height into the water which was great.

"It feels amazing to be honest and something completely new," she said.

Once the course is complete, Vondy will then have to pick up several certificates before manning the Royal Iris full-time.

News imagePhilip smiles for the camera onboard the Royal Iris. He has short brown hair.
Fellow Mersey Ferries colleague Philip Rogers says he is happy to see a female skipper

Vondy's colleague onboard the Royal Iris, Phillip Rodgers said: "I've been here six years now and she's the first [female captain] - it's quite refreshing.

"She has a good knowledge of the river and the surrounding areas, and the vessel itself."

Steve Rotherham, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said despite women being capable of such a job, the attractiveness of the role had not always been there.

"This is about breaking down those barriers and smashing those glass ceilings, getting people to do non-traditional roles", he added.

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