UPDATED: Wightlink Portsmouth To Fishbourne Service Suspended After Emergency At Gunwharf Terminal

Wightlink has suspended its Portsmouth to Fishbourne car ferry service this afternoon (Wednesday) following an emergency at its Gunwharf terminal.

The port has been evacuated and closed to all access, and Gunwharf Road has also been closed while police and emergency services respond.

In a statement, Wightlink said:

"Due to an emergency incident at our Gunwharf port, our Portsmouth to Fishbourne car ferry service is currently suspended and the port will be closed to any access as the area has been evacuated.

"The police are in attendance, and we will update customers as soon as we have more information.

"Please do not try to make your way to our Gunwharf terminal."

While staff and customers at the Gunwharf terminal have reportedly been safely evacuated, with the port closed to marine traffic, the same cannot be said for those who boarded the 12pm Fishbourne service.

One customer on the 12pm sailing from Fishbourne said they had not departed as of 12.40pm, and expressed frustration at being unable to disembark.

The company’s contact centre is also affected, leaving customers unable to get in touch.

The company has urged passengers not to travel to Gunwharf while the situation continues and said updates will be provided as soon as more information is available.

UPDATE 13:22

Wightlink has confirmed its Gunwharf terminal has now reopened after being declared safe.

Delays are expected throughout the afternoon.

A spokesperson for Wightlink confirmed:

"Our Gunwharf terminal has now reopened following the completion of police checks.

"We will resume sailings from 2:00pm and are working hard to minimise any further disruption to our services.

"The safety of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority, and we thank the police and other emergency services for their assistance. 

"Thank you for your support in keeping Island residents informed."