UPDATED: Wightlink’s car ferry and catamaran services between the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth have been suspended this morning (Wednesday) following the discovery of an unexplored bomb in Portsmouth Harbour.
No vessels are currently able to enter or exit the busy harbour, meaning the Fishbourne-Portsmouth car ferry and the Ryde Pier Head-Portsmouth catamaran are unable to operate.
It is thought the harbour closure will be in place for some time, with initial indications suggesting a re-opening time of around 09:00.
Island Echo readers say they have been stuck on the Wightlink ferry since 04:00, but are being provided with refreshments.
Today’s incident is the latest of many instances of bombs being discovered in the area during a period of dredging works. The harbour is being dredged in preparation of the arrival of the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers.
Hampshire Constabulary say they are working with Ministry of Defence Police, the Royal Navy, Portsmouth City Council and other organisations to activate a pre-arranged multi-agency plan.
A Police spokesperson has said:
“Our priority is to keep the public safe and minimise community disruption while the ordnance is detonated by the Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal”.
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Wightlink’s Yarmouth-Lymington service is of course unaffected by the security alert, but the route is expected to be busy with diverting traffic.
UPDATE @ 07:20 – The Royal Navy have confirmed the ordnance is a high-explosive 550lb German bomb from World War II.
Divers from the Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team are working at the scene this morning.
UPDATE @ 08:18 – Wightlink ferries to and from Portsmouth are running again this morning, albeit to a shuttle service. The exclusion zone has been lifted, however it will take some hours before services are back to normal warn the ferry operator.
The St Clare car ferry is making her way to Portsmouth from Fishbourne and St Faith is preparing to pick up vehicles and passengers at Portsmouth. Catamaran services to and from Ryde Pier have now also resumed.
Wightlink apologies for the delay to passengers.
