UPDATED: Hovertravel have been forced to suspend their cross-Solent service for the second time today (Saturday) due to yet another technical issue with Island Flyer.
Passengers waiting to head home from Southsea were informed that the 19:00 would be delayed by 20 to 30 minutes. As expected, the 19:00 departed Southsea at around 19:30 but, as it neared Ryde, those on board say it appeared to struggle on the approach.
Thankfully, all the passengers were disembarked safely but straight away those waiting to leave the Island were loaded on board ready for departure. But things didn’t go according to plan… Island Flyer struggled to move and required the assistance of a forklift to manoeuver on the pad.
With the craft going no where, passengers were swiftly offloaded – as captured on video by Island Echo. Those on board the delayed 19:00 crossing say they were “surprised” that the craft was loaded with new passengers at Ryde for the 19:45.
Hovertravel have not indicated how long the service is likely to remain suspended for or when an update will be provided. In fact, their service status indicator is still showing ‘green’ – despite the issues arising shortly before 19:50 and the failure to operate the 19:45 & 20:45 from Ryde and the 20:00 from Southsea.
UPDATE SUNDAY @ 09:00 – Hovertravel have now confirmed that their service is suspended due to technical reasons.
No indication has been made as to when services are likely to resume.
UPDATE SUNDAY @ 09:45 – Hovertravel have now resumed a service in accordance with their revised timetable.
The operator has apologised for any inconvenience caused, but has not explained the reason for the suspension of service other than blaming ‘technical reasons’.
