A lorry driver failed to put his vehicle's handbrake on during a ferry crossing - sending it plunging into the sea along with three transit vans and one of the boat's rear doors.

The Stena Line HSS Discovery superferry was only minutes into its journey to Harwich from the Hook of Holland yesterday (Thursday) afternoon when the incident happened.

Route Director Pim De Lange said a Danish lorry full of fish at the back of the ship had been parked without its handbrake engaged.

As the ferry sped up, the lorry crashed through the Discovery's rear doors and plunged into the North Sea. Three smaller vans were also dragged into the sea by the weight of the unsecured lorry.

One of the ferry's four rear doors was also lost during the incident.

The HSS Discovery turned back to the Hook of Holland as soon as staff became aware of the incident and repairs were carried out.

Mr De Lange said passengers reported seeing the lorry floating in the water as they travelled back to the port.

A firm is now working to recover the lost vehicles. All four have been located in 18 meters of water and will be removed as they are a hazard to shipping.

It was due to sail on schedule for its morning crossing to Harwich International Port today (Friday).

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