As Island Echo reported, the gangway used to board and disembark passengers from Wightlink’s Fast Cat vessels at Ryde Pier Head has fallen into the sea this morning.
Ferry operator Wightlink have now confirmed the incident, saying that a problem occurred with the gangway at Ryde Pier shortly before 08:00. No-one has been injured in the incident, which has seen a large section of the gangway fall to the seabed.
In a statement released by Wightlink this morning, a spokesperson has said: “We are still at the early stages of our investigation and so are unable to comment on exactly what happened. However, we would like to reassure passengers that safety remains our top priority and we will conduct a very thorough investigation.
“As a result, we are currently unable to use our main berth at Ryde Pier Head. This will cause some delays and we would like to apologise to passengers for the inconvenience. However, we would ask passengers to check in on time as we will be making every effort to operate sailings.
“Regrettably, there is currently no access for disabled passengers or persons with reduced mobility. Therefore, we ask that they make their way directly to Fishbourne where they will be transferred to the next car ferry sailing. We expect the disruption to last until 14:00 today.”
UPDATE @ 10:45 – A team of divers are currently on site at Ryde Pier in an attempt to recover the section of gangway that fell into the sea.
It is currently unknown how the incident happened. More to follow.
“I should emphasise we will do nothing that will jeopardise the safety of our passengers or crew.
Photo: A large section of the gangway can be seen to be missing with remaining sections supported with straps
