A ferry became stuck on a sandbank after it arrived in port half an hour early before the tide was high enough.

The giant MV Dieppe was left high and dry for nearly two hours north-east of the main harbour arm at Newhaven after it shuddered to a halt at 7.50am yesterday.

The 17,500-tonne ship only returned to the Newhaven-Dieppe route last month following repairs after crashing into the harbour wall at the French port.

The first officer was suspended amid allegations he was over the alcohol limit.

Passengers on yesterday's 4am sailing said they felt a shudder as the ship ran aground and then heard the engines revving as the crew attempted to free it.

The Newhaven tug failed to pull the Dieppe off the sandbank and it was decided to wait for the tide to rise.

The early-morning Hoverspeed fast ferry had to sail round the stranded vessel.

After almost two hours, the Dieppe managed to free itself under its own power and with a cheer from the crew and passengers eased into the harbour at just after 9.30am.

The ferry had a light load of only 23 cars and lorries on board and no foot passengers.

Those delayed were critical of the way the French-owned ferry operator Transmanche dealt with the incident.

Phillip Richard, from Streatham, south London, said: "There was no announcement and we were not kept up to date with the situation."

Dawn Grant, who moved to France from Brighton 15 years ago and frequently uses the Transmanche Ferry, said: "You get used to things like this on this route.

"I only use it because it is cheap and it is easier to get to my home near Dieppe."

The incident delayed the 9.30am return sailing by the ferry.

A spokesman for Transmanche said: "The channel is dredged but you cannot account for abnormal tidal conditions and sometimes shifting sands.

"The vessel arrived early and unfortunately misjudged the tide.

"I am positive the captain did keep passengers informed.

"The vessel more than meets safety standards and many passengers like a longer crossing in the summer."

There have been previous incidents in which the same ferry and its sister ship, the Sardinia Vera, have run aground close to the Newhaven harbour entrance.