WIGHTLINK CANCEL SATURDAY SAILINGS AGAIN AS STAFFING ISSUES CONTINUE

Wightlink has been forced to cancel 8 sailings on its Fishbourne-Portsmouth service tomorrow (Saturday) – the 2nd week in a row that the firm’s weekend service has been disrupted.

This article first appeared in the Island Echo here – https://www.islandecho.co.uk/wightlink-cancel-saturday-sailings-again-as-staffing-issues-continue/

It’s said that the absence of an essential crew member means the 08:40, 10:40, 12:40 and 14:40 sailings from Portsmouth have been cancelled, alongside the 09:40, 11:40, 13:40 and 15:40 sailings from Fishbourne.

These are exactly the same crossings that were cancelled last Saturday, when an essential crew member was also unavailable. The same reason was given for cancellations on 24th September.

Wightlink sincerely apologises for the inconvenience, but says they have been unable to source short-notice cover for the absent members of staff and so have taken this action as a last resort.

Editor’s footnote: Although the 13:40 sailing from Fishbourne had been cancelled, it’s noted by this reporter that the 14:20 sailing last Saturday was quiet – with only around 15 vehicles waiting at the terminal at 13:40.

Wightlink has also announced that due to the absence of an essential crew member, there are a number of cancellations on the Fastcat service between Ryde Pier Head-Portsmouth Harbour on Sunday (15th October).

The 21:45 and 22:45 sailings from Portsmouth, and the 2:.52, 22:15 and 23:10 sailings from Ryde Pier Head have all been cancelled.

To assist impacted customers, a mini bus will operate between Ryde and Fishbourne from 21:00 to 23:30.