Liverpool woman set to make history as the 1st female captain of the iconic Mersey Ferry

A Liverpool woman is on course to make local maritime history by becoming the 1st female captain of the iconic Mersey Ferry.

Apprentice Ellie Vondy, 30, from Anfield, is training to take the helm of the world famous Mersey Ferry, ushering in a new chapter to a tradition dating back more than 800 years.

A qualified diver and marine biologist, Ellie began a 3 year marine apprenticeship last year and now works onboard the vessel while studying part-time at Fleetwood Marine College.

When qualified, she will serve as Officer of the Watch (Near Coastal), working as 1st Mate, before completing a further year's training to gain her captain's licence.

Ellie was recruited in September 2025 and is working towards the top job alongside fellow marine apprentices Chris Oulton and Leah Rogers.

Steve Rotheram Mayor of Liverpool City Region said:- "The Ferry:- 'Cross the Mersey is an icon of our Region, and Ellie's story shows how we're breaking down barriers that for centuries felt unmovable. It will be an incredibly proud moment for everyone associated with the ferries when the 1st female captain takes the helm, after 800 years in operation. This is why backing apprenticeships and investing in people is so important; we're opening doors not just for people starting out in their career, but for the trailblazers of the future."

Ellie said:- "Working on something so iconic has been amazing; I didn't know what to expect. It is like joining a little family as there are people who have been working here for years. When I was younger, I spent days out with family by the sea, places like New Brighton and West Kirby. After I left School, I studied marine biology and project management, so I've learned a lot about the marine environment and spent a lot of time out on boats doing research projects, and I basically realized that I just enjoyed being out on the water more than sitting at a computer all day doing research. When I saw this job come up, I just applied for it. It's so exciting to think I could be the 1st woman to captain the Mersey Ferry. I'm a Liverpool girl and the ferry is part of the city's heartbeat so if I am I just hope I do women justice."

By investing in apprenticeships that allow staff to learn new skills whilst staying in their current roles, Mersey Ferries is building future talent from within, strengthening the brand and supporting long term succession planning.

Mersey Ferries is set to unveil the 1st new vessel in 60 years when the new �26m Royal Daffodil comes into service later this year.

The new ferry is designed to offer a world class experience to both everyday passengers and event goers thanks to large, open plan decks and smaller, more intimate event spaces for corporate functions and private parties, alongside new regular seasonal cruises.

Southport wins gold as Olympic hero Greg Rutherford and Visit England team share what makes Town so special

SOUTHPORT is going for gold this February Half Term after Olympic star Greg Rutherford and the Visit England Team leaped in to explore what makes the seaside Town so special.

Greg, a celebrated British long jumper who won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, was wowed by the many attractions and local businesses he was welcomed by during his trip.

He was in Town with his son, Milo, and a Visit England film crew, putting together footage on what visitors can enjoy when they take a break in Southport, organised through Visit Southport.

Their locations included:- the historic Silcock's Carousel, which has been entertaining families since 1901 and was voted as the UK's fourth best seaside attraction in the Bucket and Spade Awards in 2023.

They also tucked into fish and chips at Silcock's Pier Family Restaurant.

Silcock Leisure Group head of Operations Serena Silcock Prince said:- "It was fantastic to see Greg and Milo and everyone from Visit England in Southport! They had a busy day of filming on Saturday, they had a lot of places to get around. It shows how much we have to offer here in Southport! Greg and Milo said they had never been to Southport before, but absolutely loved it. They said they can't wait to come back with all the rest of their family. They loved our Carousel, and did lots of filming there, along with around Marine Lake and in the King's Gardens. They had enjoyed a look around The Atkinson before they came here. Greg and Milo then had something to eat from Silcock's Pier Family Restaurant. Milo said he gave our sausage and chips a:- 9 out of 10 while Greg said he gave our fish and chips a:- 10 out of 10! They were very excited to hear about all the events we have to look forward to in Southport this year. I told them about last week's superb news about work starting soon to repair and reopen Southport Pier, which should hopefully be reopened for Summer 2027, they are very keen to come back and see that! Visit England has been so supportive of Southport this year. They have promoted our Town to visitors across the UK through their social media channels and it has been brilliant to see them filming here over the weekend. Southport has so much to offer people this year with so many reasons to come and visit with so many exciting events and attractions. We're looking forward to welcoming everyone for memories they'll never forget."

Herbert Silcock's 121 year old Carousel which was built in:- 1901, in the Reign of Queen Victoria.

The Golden Gallopers ride, on Southport Pier Forecourt, features 2 beautifully-painted carriages and 30 horses, each named after members of the Silcock family or family friends.

The horses on the inside of the ride are original Anderson carvings and date to when the ride was built at the turn of the century.

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Liverpool woman set to make history as the 1st female captain of the iconic Mersey Ferry

Southport wins gold as Olympic hero Greg Rutherford and Visit England team share what makes Town so special