ShipSpotting.com Forum

Shipspotters all over the world => Shipping News and information => Topic started by: Ship's Cat on August 18, 2005, 04:27:29 PM

Title: Wightlink FastCat service suspended
Post by: Ship's Cat on August 18, 2005, 04:27:29 PM
According to BBC Radio Solent and BBC South Today (our local BBC radio and tv stations, respectively) the ferry company Wightlink's FastCat service from Portsmouth to Ryde has been suspended after the Maritime and Coastguard Agency revoked the vessels' safety certificates. This is due to two unreported engine room fires aboard the company's Our Lady Patricia in May.

This is a serious situation, not just because of the fact that 'life and property' (MCA quote) was at risk, but also because Wightlink is a major operator of ferry services to the Isle of Wight. The ro-ro services to Fishbourne and from Yarmouth to Lymington are NOT affected.

The four vessels affected are Our Lady Patricia, Our Lady Pamela (the two oldest ships on the route), FastCat Ryde and FastCat Shanklin. Let's hope this is resolved quickly.