Passengers stranded on Sydney ferry for hours after vessel gets stuck

Sydney commuters have spent a frustrating three hours on board a ferry in the middle of the harbour after it broke down tantalizing close to the Manly terminal.

The MV Queenscliff was on its approach to Manly from Circular Quay at around 6.30 this evening when it broke down with 220 passengers on board suffering “mechanical issues".

Passenger Patrick Clarke said an alert siren went off before the boat, which can hold more than 1000 people, began to drift.

He said it was anchored around 200 metres from its destination.

"They had to anchor us otherwise we were going to run into other boats," Mr Clarke said after getting off the boat on Thursday night.

"There was just growing frustration because, you know, you're so close."

Several rescue attempts were made to evacuate the passengers off the ferry, including bringing another vessel alongside.

The swell, however, was too strong and it was unable to connect to take off passengers.

Eventually a spare part was brought via a water taxi and passengers were able to disembark at around 8.40pm.

"They tried really hard. They offered everyone coffee and everything," Mr Clarke said of the ferry staff.

"At the end of the day they just said it's all about the safety of passengers."

Harbour City Ferries apologised for the delay and said buses were called to help passengers get home as soon as possible.

An investigation into the cause of the mechanical issue has been launched.

With AAP