Working Conditions Aboard the Wight-Ryder-2

On the evening of November 7, 2022, the Wight Ryder II ferry encountered a floating obstruction, believed to be a log, while navigating the Solent from Ryde, Isle of Wight to Portsmouth. The collision resulted in considerable damage to the vessel’s propeller, causing the ferry to be temporarily out of service in Portsmouth. The duration of the suspension for the Fastcat service remains uncertain. Additionally, Wightlink's alternative FastCat vessel is currently undergoing maintenance and is unavailable for operation, compounding the service interruptions for passengers.

On January 1, 2014, the ferry 'Wight Ryder II' experienced damage due to inclement weather conditions, causing significant disruption for travelers on the Isle of Wight. The vessel was forced out of service on January 2 after sustaining minor injuries from colliding with a fender at Portsmouth Harbour. At the time, the ferry was carrying 47 passengers on its 9:47 a.m. sailing from Ryde to Portsmouth, though fortunately, there were no reported injuries. In response to the incident, a revised sailing schedule was implemented, with departures from Ryde now occurring at 47 minutes past the hour, and departures from Portsmouth at 15 minutes past the hour.