Boat owners 'trapped' as Island Harbour Marina in administration

The marina can provide berthing and facilities for more than 200 boats

Owners say their boats were "trapped" at an Isle of Wight marina after it went into administration.

About 25 boats were stuck in Island Harbour Marina, owned by Uavend Investments PPL, in Newport, which ceased trading earlier this week.

Boat owner Paul Vince said he had been "desperate" to leave and head home to Portsmouth.

The administrators have now said an issue with the lock gates has been resolved and boats could leave.

Kevin Lucas, of administrators Lucas Ross, said he was in the early stages of "gathering information" on the marina business.

It employed 13 people, the majority of whom have been made redundant, Mr Lucas said.

The marina's website promises a "unique waterside lifestyle"

He said he had already had expressions of interest in buying the business.

While boat owners could leave the complex on foot, the lock gates had remained closed preventing boats from entering or leaving.

Earlier, Mr Vince said: "Twenty-five boats are trapped within the marina. We're still locked in and being held against our will.

"There's about 100 people, some of whom are disabled and need to get home for their medication.

"We're desperate to get out and go home."

Hampshire Constabulary said it had been made aware of the issue but it "wasn't a police matter".

The bus from the 1997 Spice Girls movie is used as holiday accommodation at the marina

The administrators have now confirmed all boats were able to leave, subject to tidal conditions, after an issue with the lock gates had been resolved.

The marina's website remains live, describing it as "one of the Solent's best-kept secrets" and promising a "unique waterside lifestyle".

Situated on the River Medina south of Cowes, it offers more than 200 berths as well as amenities, including a chandlery, repair workshop, showers and laundry room.

The marina also owns the famous Union Jack double-decker bus from the 1997 Spice Girls movie, Spice World, which it had been letting out as holiday accommodation.

It also sells camping and caravan spaces during the annual Isle of Wight Festival which takes place at nearby Seaclose Park.

Other businesses on the marina complex, including the Breeze Restaurant, are independently owned and remain open.