Scoot Ferries, who recently launched two new ferry services to the Isle of Wight, have gone into insolvency today (Saturday) and have appointed David Meany of Ashtons Recovery LLP as official receiver and will be applying for a Company Voluntary Arrangement with immediate effect, Island Echo can reveal.
Staff have lost their jobs just days before Christmas and customers have been left in limbo, with many stranded on the mainland following this weekend’s special offer of £4 return travel. Thankfully, Hovertravel have stepped in with a £5 single fare for anyone with a Scoot ticket and Solent & Wightline Cruises have laid on a return ferry from Gunwharf at 16:15.
It has been revealed that Scoot had been in advanced investment discussions with a number of parties regarding a possible buyout of the company following the sudden and unexpected withdrawal of support from their existing investors on 24th November.
It had been hoped that new investment would be secured to enable the continued operation, however this morning it was confirmed that discussions had not been fruitful and with no immediate known alternative this side of Christmas, Scoot had no option but to suspend operations with immediate effect.
In a statement issued this afternoon it has been said:
“Due to the outpouring of public support both since launch and today following our announcements regarding the suspension of services, it is hoped that with the right level of funding support Scoot Ferries has a very real and viable future ahead of it.
“Staff and crew remain incredibly committed, as they have been since day one – and with the support of the Isle of Wight, Scoot strongly believes that if it can convert this support to investment Scoot can achieve exactly what they set out to deliver – a ferry service for the island”.
Scoot’s CEO, Zoë Ombler said:
“I am devastated by the events of today, both for the sake of my team who have worked incredibly hard up to this point, and for our loyal and growing numbers of Scoot passengers. I very much hope that this is not the end for Scoot and believe there is an immediate opportunity to find the necessary investment to allow us to continue to operate.”
Further information will soon be published regarding direct contact details for anyone concerned. In the meantime, Scoot is kindly asking for respect for staff at this difficult time, especially given the proximity to Christmas.
It follows an announcement this morning stating that all services on all routes had been suspended until further notice, prompting rumours to begin circulating.
Scoot Ferries Limited launched their first service during Cowes Week 2015 with a special Cowes-Hamble route and the revealing of ‘Scoot 1’, a 12-passenger high speed vessel. On 1st September Scoot 1 moved over to the new route of Yarmouth to Lymington.
On 5th November, the company launched the Cowes-Portsmouth route with two larger vessels, each capable of carrying over 40 passengers.
Plans were also in the pipeline to operate an East Cowes to West Cowes shuttle and reintroduce the Cowes to Hamble route, however today’s announcement means the company cease operations with immediate effect.
This weekend’s last minute offer was marketed to customers as non-refundable, meaning it is unlikely anyone who booked to travel with Scoot this weekend will get their money back, sparking concerns from many.
