Ferry service suspension extended over pontoon damage

Damage to a ferry's pontoon and its supporting structure is worse than first thought, its operator has said.

The Hythe Ferry, linking Southampton and the Waterside, was suspended last month when damage to the dolphin piling was found.

The Hythe and Southampton Ferry company said corrosion has "accelerated at a faster rate" than initial surveys suggested.

It said the ferry would be out of action for at least two more weeks while the likely cost of repair work is assessed

"This is a significant piece of work so it is important we take the time to review all quotes thoroughly," the company said in a statement.

It added it had already explored "alternative options" for continuing to run the service.

"We have not yet found a financially sustainable solution that ensures safety and accessibility requirements are met but, will continue to review other solutions over the coming weeks," it added.

It is thought repair work could take up to six weeks to carry out.

Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel took over the passenger link across Southampton Water in September 2023 after its previous owner Blue Funnel suffered from rising costs and low passenger numbers following the Covid pandemic.

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