FASTCAT SERVICE SUSPENDED AS ONLY OPERATIONAL FERRY BREAKS DOWN

Wightlink has been forced to cancel all of its Fastcat sailings to and from the Isle of Wight for the rest of the day.

The cross-Solent operator says that due to an earlier technical issue with Wight Ryder II, it has had to cancel a number of sailings this evening (Saturday) – but in reality it is a complete suspension of service.

The Ryde Pier Head-Portsmouth Harbour route is currently completely reliant on Wight Ryder II as its sister vessel, Wight Ryder I, is out of the water for annual maintenance.

An issue developed earlier in the day which led to 30 minute delays. But now, a more serious issue means the boat has been pulled from operation.

The 17:15, 18:15, 19:20, 20:20, 21:45 and 22:45 sailings from Portsmouth Harbour have been cancelled, as well as the 17:45, 18:45, 19:47, 20:52, 22:15 and 23:10 sailings from Ryde Pier Head.

There are no other timetabled sailings, meaning the service will not operate again today.

Customers are advised that tickets can be used on the Fishbourne-Portsmouth car ferry instead.

Those using Wightlink’s foot passenger service will face disruption on Monday too, as a charter vessel will be used to operate a longer crossing, between the hours of 08:00 and 13:00.

This is to allow teams to carry out further investigations at the North End berth at Portsmouth, which is currently undergoing essential maintenance.