Shuttle service launched due to fault with ferry

A shuttle service has been put in place between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight as a passenger ferry is experiencing a mechanical issue.

Wightlink said its FastCat service from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head has been affected by a problem with the vessel's exhaust.

But the firm said a shuttle service operated by a charter vessel is running "until further notice". Wightlink added that crossing times were expected to be about 30 to 40 minutes and may vary.

It comes after all FastCat services were suspended on Sunday and several hovercraft crossings between Ryde and Southsea were cancelled on Saturday.

In a statement on its website, Wightlink said it was unable to provide exact departure and arrival times for the shuttle service.

It continued: "Crossing times are expected to be approximately 30 to 40 minutes and may vary depending on operational conditions.

"Customers with timed onward connections or commitments are advised to use our Portsmouth to Fishbourne car ferry service instead, where possible."

The FastCat sailings at 07:15 BST and 08:15 from Portsmouth Harbour, as well as the 07:45 sailing from Ryde Pier Head, were cancelled on Monday.

The ferry firm said its engineering teams will continue troubleshooting and repair work on its FastCat vessel, adding: "We hope to return it to service as soon as it is safe to do so.

"We sincerely apologise for the continued disruption and thank you for your patience and understanding."