Solent commuters hit by hover and ferry disruption
- Published
A charter vessel was brought in for the FastCat passenger service
Commuters were warned to allow more time for their journeys following a series of technical issues on cross-Solent services.
Wightlink's FastCat vessel was replaced by a charter vessel when it was damaged after hitting debris.
Hovertravel services have suffered a number of cancellations due to technical issues and bad weather over the past week.
Both operators' alternative vessels are undergoing annual maintenance work.
Wightlink said its FastCat Wight Ryder 2 suffered damage to a propeller when it struck debris in the Solent late on Monday when travelling from Ryde to Portsmouth.
The company's other vessel FastCat, Wight Ryder 1, is in its annual winter refit, meaning a charter vessel replacement was brought in.
But it said the FastCat Wight Ryder 2 had returned to service on Thursday following repairs to its propeller and successful sea trials.
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Hovercraft services between Southsea and Ryde were suspended for a several hours on Wednesday due to a "technical issue", operator Hovertravel said.
It is the latest of several suspensions so far this month, due to adverse weather and technical issues.
"At this time of year, both our craft are undergoing a two week period of essential annual maintenance which means we can not easily bring our second craft into service," it said.
Both operators have apologised to passengers for the disruption.
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