UPDATED: FASTCAT SERVICE SUSPENDED DUE TO MECHANICAL ISSUE AT RYDE PIER HEAD

Wightlink has been forced to cancel its Fastcat services to and from the Isle of Wight this morning (Friday) due to a mechanical issue at its Ryde Pier Head terminal. Island Echo understands the problem is related to the gangway. It is unclear how long it will take to resolve the situation. Customers are advised to travel on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne car ferry service or, alternatively, transfer to Hovertravel. Wightlink tickets, including Multilink and Season ticket passes, will be accepted on all Hovertravel services including the Hover Bus from Southsea to Portsmouth Hard. A limited transfer service will be available to those FastCat customer travelling to and from Fishbourne. Wightlink sincerely apologises for the changes to your travel plans. UPDATE @ 11:30 – Wightlink says that contractors are on site working to make the repairs as quickly as possible. It is hoped that the service can resume ‘later today’. UPDATE @ 14:30 – Wightlink has said that repair works are nearly complete and service should soon be back to normal. Until this time, customers are still being advised to use the Fishbourne – Portsmouth vehicle ferry service or alternatively Hovertravel. UPDATE @ 16:15 – Services are to resume from 16:15