Burnham Ferry skipper’s heartbreak as ill health forces sale of family business

At the helm - Michelle and Mark Philips. (Credit: Burnham Ferry)

A FAMILY-RUN ferry business which serves Burnham has been put up for sale, after the skipper received a life-changing medical diagnosis.

Mark Philips, 61, has operated Burnham Ferry for seven years. The ferry takes passengers from Burnham to Essex Marina on Wallasea Island and had been due to start running on Tuesday (April 1).

However, ill health has forced Mark and his wife, Michelle, to sell the business at short notice.

Mark told Caroline Coastal the timing of the situation was “dreadful”.

He said: “I don’t want to let the community down. The timing is dreadful, with how close we are to the new season starting.

“It is vital that new operators take the business up. With between 2,500 and 3,000 crossings a year, this is a well-used service.”

All smiles - Mark gives passengers a helping hand. (Credit: Burnham Ferry)

The current season is due to run until September 30, with the ferry operating for six days a week. In previous years, as many as 10,000 passengers have travelled across the River Crouch during the season.

Before becoming a skipper, Mark worked in the police and was involved with marine policing when he came across the ferry service.

After he retired from the force in 2018, Mark and his wife bought the business.

Burnham Ferry ran as a family business with help from the couple’s son, until he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the police. While their young grandchildren have enjoyed frequent trips over the years, there is no one else able to take the helm.

Michelle, 57, said: “It’s completely unique, and a much-loved service.

“We have loved being part of the community and building a successful business.

“I would like to thank our passengers and customers who have supported us over the years.”

Pirate's life - Mark pictured on a trip out with BBC Essex's Barry Lewis in 2022. (Credit: Burnham Ferry)

The couple are looking to sell the business for £25,000. The sale includes equipment such as the boat and life jackets, along with a new website and an existing Facebook page.

Burnham Ferry is the only service authorised at Essex Marina to carry out trips to Wallasea.

While it operates for six months a year, the current owners say this could be extended to a year-round service.

Anyone looking for more information about the sale of business should email burnhamferry@hotmail.co.uk.