Gangway Collapses At Ryde Pier

An investigation is underway into why a gangway collapsed affecting ferry services to and from the Isle of Wight.

Wightlink said no-one was hurt or in any danger when it happened at Ryde Pier shortly before 8am on Wednesday morning.

The company issued the following statement:

"This morning, Wightlink experienced a problem with the retractable gangway which is used to attach to the linkspan at the Ryde Pier Head main berth. 

"The gangway was not in use at the time and access was not possible.  Consequently, no-one was hurt and because the gangway is remotely operated, at no time was anyone in any danger.

"We have now completed our initial investigations and can confirm that engineers are on site and divers have recovered a small section of the retractable gangway which became disconnected.

"For now we are using a different berth for the Wight Ryders and there are no delays on our Ryde Pier Head to Portsmouth Harbour route. 

"Regrettably, there is currently no access for disabled passengers or persons with reduced mobility.  Therefore, we ask that they make their way directly to Fishbourne where they will be transferred to the next car ferry sailing.

We apologise to passengers for the inconvenience and would like to reassure our customers that we continue to prioritise the safety of our passengers, ships and crew.

A further update will be issued at 1700."