After unexpectedly pulling all service earlier today, Scoot ferries have now announced that they’ve called in an Official Receiver.
The summary of the Isle of Wight ferry service’s official announcement this afternoon:-
- Have called in Ashtons Recovery LLP as the Receiver
- Claim “sudden and unexpected withdrawal of support” from investors on 24th November 2015
- Hoped new investment would be secured “to enable the continued operation”
Prior to this the company issued a holding message.
Warning signs
The real warning signs were early this morning.
Under a message of ‘Red Alert’, Scoot Ferries have announced they are cancelling all services on both their cross-Solent routes until further notice.
Website gone
Their Website was then just a holding page this morning, replacing the booking system and timetable details.
At the time of publishing this report, the Website is now reporting “Attackers might be trying to steal your information from www.scootferries.co.uk (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards).”
Announced in the summer
The company, which was announced in the summer of 2015, started operating two routes off the Island at the end of the summer. Cowes to Portsmouth and Yarmouth to Lymington.
Judging from the reaction on social media, many who used the service were supportive.
‘Very unfestive news’
This morning at around 11am the message on their Website and social media read,
We’re really sorry Scooters – we’ve had some very unfestive news this morning which means we’ve had to cancel ALL our sailings on both Yarmouth to Lymington and Cowes to Portsmouth until further notice.
We know how much this will affect everyone booked to scoot with us today and we’re really really sorry for messing up your plans so royally.
Please check back here and on our social media channels for further updates.
OnTheWight has made multiple attempts to contact various people in Scoot, but have yet to hear back from anyone.
Messages of support
The company has received messages of support through their Facebook page.
Not surprisingly, those unhappy about the suspension have joined the discussion, criticising the company about the lack of information being provided for those already in Portsmouth waiting to come back to Cowes, or people who have paid in advance for tickets.
Fare offers
Back in at the start of December, the company made a big splash about a £5 per crossing price. These prices were conditional on joining their ScootClub, which required the paying an annual membership fee of between £25 and £100.
OnTheWight is attempting to find out if those people who paid the membership will be able to get a refund.
Yesterday (Friday) the company publicised an offer of a £2 fare each way between Ryde and Portsmouth for the last shopping Saturday before Christmas.
Maintenance problems
The company has been hit over the last couple of weeks with maintenance problems with their vessels.
Yesterday (18th Dec), Scoot had proposed a new timetable on the Yarmouth-Lymington route, with a reduced number of sailings.
Bus service dropped
Earlier this month, the free bus service between the Portsmouth dock and the train station had to be cancelled. Scoot said the service was only being used by a small number of passengers and was costing them £20,000 per month to run.
Rival to floating bridge?
In July, the company had planned to launch a service between Cowes and East Cowes as a rival to the floating bridge.
As far as we’re aware, this never materialised.
Update 15:45:The ‘radio-silence’ update
Dear Scooters
Following the unexpected suspension of all sailings on all routes this morning, we will be issuing a formal statement regarding what has happened very shortly.We apologise for the radio silence which was essential whilst we communicated with all of our staff – and we kindly request that you not try and second guess the events of today or possible outcomes.
We’ll be in touch with you all very soon.
Thank you, The Scoot Team
Update 17:02 The ‘Receivers called in’ press release
The following text has just been posted to their Facebook page
Following the unexpected suspension of all sailings on all routes this morning, Scoot Ferries wishes to confirm that they have today appointed David Meany of Ashtons Recovery LLP as official receiver and will be applying for a Company Voluntary Arrangement with immediate effect.
Scoot had been in advanced investment discussions with a number of parties regarding a possible buyout of the company. This follows the sudden and unexpected withdrawal of support from their existing investors on November 24th and it had been hoped that new investment would be secured to enable the continued operation.
It was confirmed this morning that these discussions had not been fruitful and with no immediate known alternative this side of Christmas, Scoot had no option but to suspend operations with immediate effect.
Due to the outpouring of public support both since launch and today following our announcements regarding the suspension of services, it is hoped that with the right level of funding support Scoot Ferries has a very real and viable future ahead of it. Their staff and crew remain incredibly committed, as they have been since day one – and with the support of the Isle of Wight, Scoot strongly believes that if it can convert this support to investment Scoot can achieve exactly what they set out to deliver – a ferry service for the island.
Scoot’s CEO, Zoë Ombler said:
“I am devastated by the events of today, both for the sake of my team who have worked incredibly hard up to this point, and for our loyal and growing numbers of Scoot passengers. I very much hope that this is not the end for Scoot and believe there is an immediate opportunity to find the necessary investment to allow us to continue to operate.”
Further information will soon be published regarding direct contact details for anyone concerned. In the meantime, Scoot kindly asks that you respect their staff at this difficult time, especially given the proximity to Christmas.
Our thoughts are with all the staff at this very unfortunate time.
Article edit:
17:54: Re-wrote piece to make it flow better, following company admitting the received had been called in.
