Isle of Wight ferry customers hit by ferry out of service
MAY’S first bank holiday weekend has got off to a dreadful start for Wightlink customers after one of its FastCats broke down.
Since Friday (May 2), Wightlink has been forced to suspend a number of FastCat services between Ryde and Portsmouth Harbour, after its Wight Ryder II vessel was dogged with “mechanical issues”.
Due to an problem with one of the engines on board the ferry, Wightlink we will be, like yesterday and Friday, operating a revised timetable today (Sunday).
As a result, more than 30 sailings on Wightlink’s timetable have been cancelled.
However, to mitigate the disruption to travellers, Wightlink’s sailings will be operated by a charter vessel, which will start at 7.45am today and tomorrow (Monday), and from 5.45am on Tuesday (May 6).
A revised timetable will run up to, and including, Tuesday (May 6), with all shuttle service sailings operated by a charter vessel.
- More travel woes for May bank holiday weekend ferry customers
- “Mechanical issue” forces Wightlink FastCat sailing cancellations
The charter vessel will be running a shuttle service throughout the day, starting from Ryde Pier Head at 07.45am, with a crossing time of around 30 minutes.
Further help for Wightlink FastCat customers
If you have any questions or concerns, call Wightlink on 0333 999 7333, between 9am–5pm.
The charter vessel has a limit of 160 customers per sailing.
This service will run until the 5.15pm from Portsmouth daily, after which time the route will be suspended until the following morning each day, with Wightlink expecting its own vessel to return to service on Tuesday evening.
There will be no sailings between 2pm and 3pm over the bank holiday weekend.
Read more: Ferry firm’s FastCat service suspended for rest of the day
All tickets will be accepted on Wightlink’s vehicle ferry service between Fishbourne and Portsmouth Harbour.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we make this change, which we know may cause some changes to your travel plans,” the company said.
“This schedule adjustment is essential to make the repairs on the Wight Ryder II, and make sure the FastCat continues to uphold the high standard of service you rely on.
“Again, we apologise sincerely for any changes to your travel plans and thank you for your understanding and support during this time.”
