HEAT EXCHANGE PROBLEM LEADS TO THURSDAY FASTCAT CANCELLATIONS

Wightlink has cancelled a number of its Fastcat sailings this morning (Thursday) due to the breakdown of Wight Ryder II.

A mechanical issue with the heat exchange on board the catamaran is causing disruption on the Ryde Pier Head-Portsmouth Harbour service.

Earlier this morning, the cross-Solent operator cancelled the 05:40 and 06:45 sailings from Ryde, plus the 06:15 from Portsmouth.

Now, it has been confirmed that the 07:15, 08:15 and 09:15 sailings from Portsmouth Harbour have been pulled, alongside the 07:45, 08:45 and 09:45 from Ryde Pier Head.

The cancellations are said to be necessary to allow engineers time to work on repairing the issue and safely return the vessel to service as soon as possible.

All Wightlink tickets and passes will be valid on Hovertravel or on Wightlink’s Portsmouth to Fishbourne car ferry service.

It is unclear at this stage if there will be further cancellations throughout the day.