USA Sea Cadets Cancel Belfast Stop-Off Over NI Disorder

A US maritime training vessel has cancelled a planned visit to Belfast due to last week's violence in Northern Ireland.

The Empire State VII was due to dock at Belfast Harbour for four days, bringing around 500 maritime cadets to the city.

Instead, the vessel will now call at Southampton. The State University of New York Maritime College, which operates the vessel, said the decision was made to ensure a safe and productive training experience.

Maritime operations require assessing changing conditions and adapting to ensure a smooth voyage.

The US Sea Cadets' visit cancellation is a blow to the Northern Ireland economy, which relies heavily on tourism.

The cancellation comes after a period of violence in Northern Ireland, which has left a stain on the region's reputation.

Last week, health minister Mike Nesbitt said the violence was a 'stain on Northern Ireland's reputation, locally, nationally and internationally'. International healthcare workers have faced intimidation and feared for their safety.

A man has been charged with a number of offences following a serious sexual assault in Belfast.