Brawl breaks out aboard a ferry forcing the vessel to return to port just 20 minutes into journey

This is the shocking moment a brawl broke out on a ferry leaving terrified onlookers screaming in horror.

The fight broke out on July 8 during an Irish Ferries service from Dublin, Ireland to Holyhead in Wales.

Chaotic footage of the incident appears to show a man in an Adidas top using salad tongs to defend himself as he is being mobbed – before the the fight was eventually separated.

Terrified family and friends can also be heard screaming – while other passengers are calmly sat down watching the chaos unfold.

It is unknown why the passengers were fighting but the ferry was forced to turn back to Dublin just 20 minutes into the journey.

Although the footage is unclear, the video appears to show a man in an Adidas top using salad tongs to defend himself as he is being mobbed before the the fight was eventually separated on the Irish Ferries service

An Irish Ferries spokesperson said: ‘Irish Ferries can confirm that there was a public order issue on board yesterday’s 13.50 DUBLIN SWIFT sailing from Dublin to Holyhead shortly after departure.

‘Irish Ferries places the highest importance on safety and therefore decided to immediately return to Dublin port, where the Irish authorities dealt with the incident.

‘The ship resumed sailing at 15.52.

‘Irish Ferries apologises to passengers whose travel was disrupted by this issue and continues to assist the authorities who are investigating the incident.’

The Garda have been contacted for comment.