Storm Darragh: Isle of Wight ferry forced to turn back

An Isle of Wight ferry service was unable to dock last night (Saturday, December 7) due to adverse weather conditions relating to Storm Darragh.

Wightlink’s 8.20pm FastCat was forced to go back across the Solent after poor weather meant the catamaran could not dock at Ryde Pier Head.

The Master decided to turn back to ensure safety after one of the mooring lines had parted.

Passengers were taken back to Portsmouth and put on Wightlink’s 10pm Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry.

They were then transported to Ryde in taxis.

Wightlink said in a statement: “Weather conditions deteriorated at Ryde Pier last night while the 20:20 FastCat from Portsmouth Harbour was at its usual berth.

As one of the mooring lines had parted, the Master took the decision on the grounds of safety to return to Portsmouth.

“Customers completed their journey to the Isle of Wight on the 22:00 car ferry to Fishbourne and were taken to Ryde by taxi.”

Storm Darragh has significantly disrupted Island ferry services this weekend.

Follow our live blog for updates.

Wightlink’s Portsmouth-Fishbourne ferry, St Clare, is running on a two-hourly service today (Sunday, December 8).

The 8am service from Portsmouth to Fishbourne and the 9am service from Fishbourne to Portsmouth have been cancelled.

On the FastCat route, the 7.15am and 8.15am crossings from Portsmouth and the 7.45am and 8.45am services from Ryde are also off.

Wightlink’s Lymington to Yarmouth service is running normally.