Over 30 members of staff have been made redundant just days before Christmas as a buyer is sought for Scoot Ferries after it went bust on Saturday afternoon, as first reported by Island Echo.
It’s certainly not smiles all round as companies and individuals are owed thousands of pounds by the cross-Solent operator, who faced staggering running costs of over £130,000 a month in the short time they were operating between Yarmouth and Lymington, and later Cowes and Portsmouth. The substantial running costs meant the company needed to take over £4000 a day but it is said many sailings were running almost empty.
It has been confirmed that Yarmouth Harbour Commission are owed almost £11,000 with total debts running at over £100,000. As a result, Scoot 1 was seized by the Harbour authority at the weekend.
It was announced on Saturday that the company had gone into liquidation, meaning all services were cancelled leaving customers stranded on the mainland. It remains unclear if those who had purchased tickets in advance, or those who had signed up to ‘Scoot Club’, will see any refund.
Many Islanders have been left facing an uncertain Christmas as their plans are scuppered with the withdrawal of Scoot’s Christmas Day sailings.
With the removal of the company’s Facebook page, Twitter account and website, anyone concerned about refunds should contact the official receiver, David Meany of Ashtons Recovery LLP, on 01329 834040.
Mr Meany has a 3-week window in which to find a buyer for the business, with an investment of around £500,000 needed.
