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COVID To Blame For FastCat And Car Ferry Cancellations, Says "Sorry" Wightlink

A rise in COVID-19 cases among crew members is being blamed for recent cancellations on Wightlink's FastCat service.

Wightlink has said "sorry" for cancelling sailings at short notice.

Crossings on its Portsmouth to Ryde FastCat service and the Lymington to Yarmouth car ferry have been affected.

The ferry firm said it is because of a spike in cases of Covid-19 among crew members.  

Wightlink does not allow crew with Covid to return to work until they test negative, in order to protect customers and colleagues.    

Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield said:

"We pride ourselves on being the most reliable cross-Solent operator so we are all very disappointed that rising numbers of Covid cases have now caused us to make these cancellations which will inconvenience our customers.   

"The team is working round the clock to fill gaps in our rosters and to minimise the impact of absences. We apologise to customers for these unwelcome cancellations.”  

A number of cancellations have been announced for this evening, due an essential member of staff being absent.

The following sailings are off:

  • From Portsmouth Harbour – 19.20 & 20.20
  • From Ryde Pier Head – 19.47 & 20.52 

Wightlink will continue operating its winter timetable until the Easter holidays.

The Portsmouth- Fishbourne car ferry service will operate with two ships, with additional sailings on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays. The other two routes will remain on the current timetable. 

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