Wightlink have announced that yesterday’s (Saturday) string of cancellations on board its St Clare ferry were to carry out fumigation and enhanced cleaning after an infestation of fleas was found in the passenger lounge.
The first set of cancellations were announced by the Cross Solent ferry operator at just past 17:00 yesterday afternoon, when it was said that areas of St Clare, operating on the Fishbourne to Portsmouth route, required specialist cleaning and maintenance.
Wightlink have since confirmed that during a routine inspection of the vessel, insects which could have been fleas were identified in the passenger lounge by a member of staff.
In total, the issue saw the cancellation of over 10 sailings throughout the course of the evening, with St Clare having been taken out of service whilst fumigation teams were called in.
Today, the ferry operator has said that as part of their commitment to maintaining high standards on board, and as a precaution while this work is carried out, St Clare has been officially withdrawn from service.
It has said that affected customers have been moved to alternative sailings where possible; however, due to high demand, availability across remaining sailings is limited.
Wightlink have said they believe the vessel was contaminated by a four-legged friend travelling with them.
