An ongoing incident involving the Police at Wightlink’s Portsmouth Gunwharf terminal is causing disruption this morning (Thursday), with the cross-Solent operator already advising of 2-hour delays.
Hampshire Constabulary is asking people to avoid the terminal area and confirm that travel to the Island will be disrupted.
It is unclear at this stage what exactly has prompted the emergency response, but Wightlink says it is customer-related.
Island Echo understands that the 03:00 sailing from Portsmouth failed to operate with the last ferry arriving in port – the Victoria of Wight – at just before 02:00.
Those travelling to and from the Island should prepare for significant disruption throughout this morning and potentially for the rest of the day.
UPDATE @ 05:57 – Wightlink is now advising that the Portsmouth-Fishbourne service has been suspended until further notice.
Customers are being asked not to arrive until notified. An update is expected around 06:30.
UPDATE @ 06:20 – Island Echo understands that the incident at Wightlink’s terminal in Portsmouth has now been resolved.
It remains unclear as to the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has caused Islanders and tourists alike several hours of delays.
Wightlink have yet to issue updated guidance for passengers but an update is expected shortly.
UPDATE @ 06:30 – Despite the incident having been ‘resolved’, Wightlink has announced that their service between Fishbourne and Portsmouth is to remain suspended – although no indication has so far been given as to how long.
A Wightlink spokesperson has told Island Echo:
“All customers booked on this route today are likely to be affected.
“We will keep them informed through email this morning.”
UPDATE @ 07:24 – Island Echo understands that police from Portsmouth alongside Hillhead Coastguard Rescue Team were called to Wightlink’s Gunwharf terminal at around 03:00 this morning after an intoxicated passenger made threats to jump overboard shortly before the vessel was due to leave its berth.
The vessel had been ordered to stay in its position by the Harbour Master due to concerns regarding the passenger who is said to have been intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Wightlink says that its Fishbourne to Portsmouth service has now resumed, but passengers are experiencing delays of approximately 1 hour.
UPDATE @ 10:23 – Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed that it was called to a ‘public order incident’ shortly after 03:00 after a group of 6 refused to vacate the Portsmouth terminal.
Police say that 1 male boarded the ferry before refusing to leave, at which point specialist officers were drafted in.
A 31-year-old man from the Isle of Wight has since been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and causing a public nuisance.
UPDATE TUESDAY @ 10:54 – Island Echo has been told that the man who was arrested has been released from custody but remains under investigation.
now that’s whatI call getting annoyed with high prices and poor customer service!
I traveled with them yesterday and found the customer service impeccable. Yes the prices are higher than that of red funnel but you get what you pay for.
The trouble is there is no Mental Health help ever since it went into the Community! Now because of this selfish self inflicted act every body else has to suffer as a result !
Sounds like alcohol and loutish behaviour is cause, can’t blame everything on ‘mental health’ these days
Quite agree, the police charges aren’t consistent with anyone have a mental health issue. Just drunk,shouldn’t have taken more than 15 minutes to drag the offender off the ferry.
“…causing a Public Nuisance”…?! Mmm… well, very greatest respect and sympathy to the individual concerned – but that’s putting it mildly…!!! A HUGE DISRUPTION TO WIGHTLINK, THE POLICE, EMERGENCY RESPONDERS, DELIVERY LORRY DRIVERS AND OUR IOW SUPERSTORES – and THE INNOCENT TRAVELLING PUBLIC TOO…!!!
Disruption out of all proportion to the problem.
Yes but they had to wait for specialist officers?? To deal with a drunk. Pathetic.
Also somebody might have been called to see their dying relatives or somebody might have wanted to be at the Birth with their relatives or something really important ! But this idiot caused disruption all day because of his drunken actions ! But I do agree it was disproportionate the reaction these days by Emergency services & their wailing sirens as we live in down town Manhattan ! He should be made to pay but we all know he won’t !
Should of tasered the him saved a lot of wasted time
What about all the travellers and business effected by one stupid idot they should ban him for life on the ferry
Just a dam pity he was an islander who caused all these problems for everyone involved as this kind of behaviour is normally associated with mainlanders celebrating coming to the island not going to the mainland.
BRITAIN is full of mega selfish, pig ignorant people who I can the spoilers From Abusive drunks, illegal snide Flytippers and bone idle Litter louts. Save the Planet,? Who is kidding who numerous in this generation, (and older) in Britain cannot evn use or recognize a public litter bin, the country is awash with daily, strewn discarded fast food bags, packages, plastic bottles etc.