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Wightlink Condemns "Unlawful" Stowaways On Channel 4's 'Hunted'

Photos from Channel 4's Hunted.

Hiding people in vehicles during crossings is "unlawful" and "never permitted for any reason", Wightlink has said, after contestants from an episode of Channel 4's 'Hunted' appeared to stow away in the back of a van.

The ferry firm has said filming for the hit TV show was 'unauthorised' and it had no prior knowledge about it.

Isle of Wight Radio has contacted Channel 4 for a comment.

The first episode of the new series aired last night (Sunday), with fugitives tasked with escaping the Isle of Wight.

Contestants attempting to evade capture were seen scrambling to get to the Island's ferry ports. Ryde's Hovertravel and FastCat terminals, the Red Jet in Cowes and Fishbourne's Wightlink port all featured.

It was at Fishbourne where Welsh couple Meurig and Elinor appeared to hitchhike a lift from a builder, who was travelling on a Victoria of Wight sailing in his van.

However, Wightlink has said hiding in vehicles is "unlawful" and has confirmed it did not allow it.

A spokesperson said:

"Wightlink was not involved in the forward planning for this episode and the filming on the vehicle deck was unauthorised.

"The activities portrayed (hiding people in vehicles during crossings) are unlawful and never permitted onboard Wightlink's ferries for any reason."

The episode is available to watch on All 4, here. Episode two airs tonight on Channel 4 at 9pm.

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