Wightlink has announced yet more cancellations on its Ryde Pier Head-Portsmouth Harbour catamaran service due to COVID-19 sickness, with 4 sailings affected this evening (Monday).
The cross-Solent operator pulled a number of sailings on Friday morning as a result of a staff member being absent. Then, on Saturday, the ferry company cancelled a further 6 sailings.
It has now been confirmed that due to the absence of an essential member of crew, as a result of COVID sickness, the following sailings have been pulled:
From Portsmouth Harbour: 19:20 and 20:20
From Ryde Pier Head: 19:47 and 20:52
Customers with Wightlink tickets or passes can travel with Hovertravel during this time – if the service is operating. A bus will be available for transport between Fishbourne car ferry terminal and Ryde Esplanade, and the Hoverbus will also be available between Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour.
Wightlink says that a spike in cases of COVID-19 among crew members had led to the disruption on the catamaran service, as well as the Yarmouth-Lymington route.
Although there is no requirement to self-isolate anymore, Wightlink does not allow crew with Covid to return to work until they test negative. It’s unclear if this policy will continue in April and beyond when free testing is ceased.
Chief Executive Keith Greenfield says:
“We pride ourselves on being the most reliable cross-Solent operator so we are all very disappointed that rising numbers of Covid cases have now caused us to make these cancellations which will inconvenience our customers.
“The team is working round the clock to fill gaps in our rosters and to minimise the impact of absences. We apologise to customers for these unwelcome cancellations.”
We cant keep hiding behind covid. I know loads of people that have it at the moment and go to work.
idiot….they are off sick as they are sick with covid…. what part of that are you struggling with
Yes, but surely just like turning up for work with a cold, now that we are all triple jabbed.
Bet they find the staff for peak time travelling tho.That service is fast(cat)becoming a joke
Bit hard to operate if there’s no captain, other forms of transport are available. Shock horror that people are catching covid when there’s no restrictions
Even more cancellations today, Tuesday. This is becoming outrageous. But probably the shape of things to come, with cost-cutting a priority over reliability. Bery much doubt the truth of their excuses. By far the worst cross-solent service – of which I am sure they are very proud.
CORRECTION!
The accurate explanation:-
”Wightlink management, being fully cognisant of the recent dramatic rise in fuel prices, have decided to limit their fuel expenses by inviting certain critical members of staff to take a sickky thus reducing EL’s fuel bill. ( Nudge-Nudge! Know what I mean!! Say no more Squire).