Key Highlights
- Wightlink suspends car ferry service and evacuates terminal due to a police incident.
- A suspicious package led to the evacuation of the Portsmouth terminal at Gunwharf.
- The safety of customers and colleagues is Wightlink’s top priority, as stated by their spokesperson.
- Passengers on the 12pm ferry are stuck in the terminal with no updates from Wightlink staff.
Emergency Evacuation Hits Isle of Wight Ferry Services
The ferry service operated by Wightlink has faced a significant disruption following an emergency incident at one of its terminals. The evacuation and suspension of the car ferry service from Portsmouth to Fishbourne have left passengers stranded and seeking answers.
Incident Details and Evacuation
A spokesperson for Wightlink confirmed that due to an emergency incident at their Gunwharf port, the company has suspended its Ferry service. The terminal in Portsmouth was evacuated following a suspicious package discovered by security personnel. A local resident, Stuart T, captured images of the evacuated terminal and shared them with news outlets.
According to Wightlink, the safety of customers and staff is their top priority.
They have expressed gratitude towards the police and other emergency services for their assistance in handling the situation. The company has stated that they will resume sailings from 2pm onwards but are currently working to minimize further disruption.
Impact on Passengers
The suspension of the service has left passengers, including those on the 12pm ferry, concerned and uncertain about their travel plans. One passenger shared with The County Press that Wightlink staff have not provided clear information regarding the incident, leaving them in a state of uncertainty for an extended period.
A nearby establishment offered hot drinks to passengers waiting at the terminal, aiming to provide some comfort during this unexpected delay. However, the lack of updates and transparency from Wightlink has caused frustration among affected travelers.
Resumption of Services
Wightlink confirmed that its Gunwharf terminal has now re-opened and is working towards reinstituting the service as soon as possible. Passengers who have booked sailings are advised to continue arriving at their original scheduled time, although they may face delays. The company has apologized for any changes to travel plans and encouraged passengers not to attempt to access the Gunwharf terminal.
FastCat ferry services, which operate alongside Wightlink’s operations, remain unaffected by this incident. However, ongoing coordination with the harbour master suggests that FastCat services could potentially be impacted in the near future.
Public Engagement and Information
The County Press has invited public engagement through its newsroom for any updates or further information related to the incident. Residents and travelers affected by this situation are encouraged to contact The County Press directly via phone or email if they have any additional details or concerns.
A spokesperson for Wightlink reiterated that the port’s contact center is currently closed due to the evacuation, but the company will update the public as soon as more information becomes available. For now, travelers should remain patient and await further instructions from Wightlink regarding their scheduled sailings.
As this incident unfolds, both Wightlink and local authorities are prioritizing the safety of all involved. The disruption to ferry services could have broader implications for transportation on the Isle of Wight, affecting daily commutes and tourism activities in the area.
