EXCLUSIVE PICTURES: Four patients conveyed to hospital following the collapse of a car deck on board a Wightlink ferry have now been discharged, it has been confirmed.
As first reported by Island Echo, cars were left at an angle and several persons injured following the partial collapse of the upper car deck on board Wightlink’s 30-year-old ‘St Helen’ vessel at their Fishbourne terminal last night.
These exclusive photographs, first from on board the ferry, show the scene that met passengers on board the aging vessel with what appears to be a snapped metal cable just feet away from vehicles on the mezzanine deck.
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust have said in a statement this morning:
“Four patients were conveyed from the scene to St. Mary’s Hospital as a precautionary measure. However none had life threatening injuries and after treatment in the Emergency Department at St. Mary’s were discharged.
“The Ambulance Service and Trust would like to thank the other emergency services and Wightlink for their support in dealing with this incident.”
UPDATE @ 12:23 – Wightlink have issued a further statement this afternoon.
A spokesperson for the company has said:
“Wightlink Ferries conducted full safety checks on its other ferries overnight following the incident which affected the St Helen last night. Engineers inspected and tested the mezzanine decks before returning the ships to service. St Helen remains out of service.
“As well as conducting its own investigation, Wightlink will be cooperating fully with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency investigations. While those investigations are underway, Wightlink will not be making further comment on the possible cause of the incident.
“St Helen, in common with all Wightlink ferries, is inspected regularly by external surveyors. The last independent engineering survey of the ship, including its mezzanine decks, took place in May 2014 following her annual maintenance and refit.
“No significant disruption is expected as a result of the incident, however as a result of St Helen being out of service, minor delays are expected from Portsmouth Gunwharf between 10:00 and 14:00 and from Fishbourne between 11:00 and 13:00 today”.
Depsite saying there will be no significant disruption, Wightlink have cancelled a number of sailings for today, tomorrow and Monday due to last night’s incident. The following sailings have been cancelled:
Saturday 19th
From Portsmouth From Fishbourne
0830 0930
1030 1130
1230 1330
1430 1530
Sunday 20th
From Portsmouth From Fishbourne
1230 1330
1430 1530
1630 1730
1830 1930
Monday 21st
From Portsmouth From Fishbourne
0730 0830
0930 1030
1130 1230
1330 1430
1530 1630
1730 1830
For any other queries, customers can call Wightlink on 03339997333. Wightlink apologise for any inconvenience caused.
