P&O Ferries carries unusual passenger to Spain

P&O Ferries carried an unexpected passenger on its Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry route this week when a cat made its way onto the Pride of Bilbao vessel before it left the UK.

Sandi, a ginger and white tom cat, belongs to Tim and Patricia Austin of Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire.

His owners embarked on a search for their pet after he disappeared last Thursday, unaware that the cat had ventured onto the Pride of Bilbao and been taken to Spain courtesy of P&O Ferries.

The stowaway was discovered shortly before the ship docked at Bilbao ferry port and was identified by his microchip.

Brian Rees, a spokesman for P&O Ferries, told the Press Association: "When the ship arrived at Bilbao, one of the ship's crew spotted this ginger and white cat on the car deck.

"It's been described as the biggest, soppiest cat and on the return journey it was given its own en-suite cabin with sea view."

P&O Ferries provides access to other European countries via its Dover to Calais and Hull to Rotterdam ferry routes.

Posted by Mark Robinson