The ferry service between the mainland and Wadden Sea island of Ameland was resumed on Monday after problems with the car bridge were solved temporarily.

Some 65 passengers who had visited the island by car or were heading for the mainland were trapped on board the boat for hours because of a problem with the car bridge.

In the end, the ferry returned to the island where holidaymakers who had been unable to disembark were found alternative accommodation. Foot passengers had been able to leave and some car drivers left their vehicles and keys on board, and stayed on the mainland instead.

Work has now started on repairing snapped cable which stopped the bridge being either raised or lowered. Meanwhile, a crane has been brought in as a temporary repair measure.

The ferry, which was full, had attempted to dock in Holwert shortly before 8 pm and it was after midnight that the decision was taken to return to the island.