A berthing incident at Wightlink’s Gunwharf terminal in Portsmouth today (Tuesday) has left the company unable to operate its car ferry service to Fishbourne, causing widespread disruption for travellers this afternoon.
The incident caused damage to both the port infrastructure and the ferry St Clare, leaving Wightlink unable to load or unload vehicles or foot passengers at the terminal.
Sailings cancelled until at least mid-afternoon
Wightlink says all sailings on the Gunwharf–Fishbourne route are cancelled until at least 3.20pm from Gunwharf and 4.20pm from Fishbourne.
In a statement to customers, a spokesperson said,
“We sincerely apologise, but all sailings on our Gunwharf–Fishbourne route are cancelled until at least 3.20pm from Gunwharf and 4.20pm from Fishbourne while we assess the situation and ensure it is safe to resume operations.”
The company says it cannot offer alternative sailings on the route before 4.20pm, though staff are working to find ways to reduce the impact on passengers.
The spokesperson added,
“Unfortunately, we are unable to offer alternative sailings on this route before 4.20pm, but our teams are working hard to find solutions that minimise disruption for customers.”
Other routes unaffected
Wightlink confirms that all other routes – including the FastCat passenger service from Portsmouth Harbour and the Lymington-Yarmouth car ferry – are currently operating as normal.
Advice for travellers
Anyone with urgent travel plans should consider making alternative arrangements where possible.
Wightlink says it will issue further updates across its website and social media channels as more information becomes available, and is directing passengers to its website for the latest travel information.
