On Air Now Jack McHugh 3:00pm - 7:00pm Fugees - Killing Me Softly Schedule

Christmas Plans "Ruined" For Many After Wightlink Unexpectedly Moves Sailings

Wightlink has come under fire for "ruining" people's Christmas plans after unexpectedly moving sailings to and from the Isle of Wight.

Those travelling on the Victoria of Wight car ferry service have had text messages from the firm saying crossings have been pushed back.

Wightlink has apologised for the inconvenience and has blamed maintenance on the vessel "taking longer than planned".

A smaller boat is having to be used in its place, the company said, meaning less capacity on board.

One person told Isle of Wight Radio their 7pm scheduled crossing, which was said to have been booked months ago, was moved back to 4am.

They were forced to cancel the booking and travel with Red Funnel instead.

A spokesperson for Wightlink:

"Wightlink apologises for inconveniencing customers this Christmas.

"This is because essential maintenance of the engines of our largest ship, Victoria of Wight, is taking longer than planned. 

"We have had to move customers booked on Victoria of Wight to different sailings and to Wightlink's Lymington to Yarmouth route as the remaining ferries on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route, St Faith and St Clare, are smaller."

More from Isle of Wight News