Those travelling across the Solent via Wightlink’s Lymington to Yarmouth route are facing disruption for the remainder of today (Sunday) and into tomorrow, after a car ferry suffered propulsion failure this morning resulting in the vessel colliding with a navigational post and a small boat.
Wight Sun experienced a technical problem to its forward propulsion system shortly after leaving Lymington at 10:15, stranding passengers for over 30 minutes mid-journey,
Speaking about the incident, a spokesperson for Wightlink has this afternoon said:
“Following assistance from the Lymington Harbour Master’s motor launch, Wight Sun continued on its journey to Yarmouth where passengers and vehicles disembarked in the usual way.
“During the manoeuvre in the Lymington River, the ferry made light contact with a navigation post which was undamaged. It also briefly touched a small boat moored next to a barge containing rocks for breakwater work, leaving scratches”.
Wight Sun has now been withdrawn from service for investigations. Thankfully, no persons have been injured.
This latest incident comes just weeks after Wightlink’s St Helen vessel was withdrawn from the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route following the collapse of the mezzanine deck, which injured four people.
Wight Sky and Wight Light are operating as usual between Lymington and Yarmouth, however there are delays to the service. The following sailings have been cancelled for Monday 4th August.
1020 & 1320 ex Lymington
1140 & 1440 ex Yarmouth
Anyone concerned about their sailing should call Wightlink on 0333 9997 333.
