Hovertravel services between Ryde and Southsea are back in operation following a suspension of service this morning (Friday).
At just before 08:30 the cross-Solent operator decided to cancel all crossings due to the adverse weather conditions, which raised a few eyebrows due to the apparent mild conditions on the Solent at Ryde.
However, Hovertravel have said in a statement that the mid-point of the crossing was particularly rough this morning.
Julie Jorrocks, Head of Ground Operation said earlier today:
“At Hovertravel our primary focus is always safety and we suspended our service today for safety reasons. From the feedback we have received, and the media reports published, we appreciate that there was some disbelief as it is a warm spring day with blue sky and sunshine.
“Our highly trained and experienced pilots have the responsibility for whether the conditions are safe for our operation and they have told us that the facts behind the decision to suspend are that the sea state in the main shipping channel of the Solent is in excess of the operating limits of both craft, generated by wind over tide conditions. Additionally, sea and swell conditions in this wind speed has been reported by our pilots to be unusual.
“We understand that customers might like more detail on what causes disruption and following the feedback from today, we will be providing greater explanation for any delay or suspension on the service status page of our website and on our social media channels”.
Island Echo has asked Hovertravel for further information on the operating limits of the 2 Flyer craft compared to the limits of the older Freedom 90.
