Last month, travel on the Hovertravel service was disrupted after one of the pilots had apparently been taken ill.
Passengers waiting to use the craft to cross the Solent told OnTheWight that one of the Hovertravel pilots had been taken seriously ill and that he was unconscious when taken off the craft by the emergency services.
Over the alcohol limit
Police have since confirmed that an Island man aged in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of being over the alcohol limit whilst on duty.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary told OnTheWight,
“The man was interviewed by officers and given police bail until a date in mid-July 2014 pending further enquiries.
“Hampshire Constabulary is working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to establish whether any criminal offences have been committed.”
Unable to comment
Hovertravel have confirmed they are fully co-operating with the external investigation being conducted by the police and the MCA and because of the investigation, were unable to comment further.
When asked whether the pilot was actually ‘taken ill’ on 22nd June, Hovertravel replied,
“The information we had at the time of the incident was that he was ill.”
As soon as more information is available, we’ll let you know.
