WIGHTLINK has announced a revised timetable for the next week after its flagship car ferry was pulled from service.

The ferry operator said it would transfer bookings to alternative ferries, including the Lymington to Yarmouth route, and would run sailings 'throughout the night' to help keep up with demand across The Solent.

A statement said this afternoon: "Wightlink is operating a revised timetable on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route.

"Victoria of Wight was withdrawn from service earlier today because of a mechanical failure involving one of the engines.

"The route will operate using two ferries (St Clare and St Faith) until Wednesday, June 23.

"All customers booked to travel with their vehicles on Victoria of Wight are being transferred to other sailings on this route or Wightlink’s Lymington to Yarmouth service.

"This weekend (Friday 18 to Monday 21), the two ships on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route will also sail throughout the night to ensure all customers, including freight drivers, are able to cross The Solent."

Wightlink staff are contacting all customers to inform them of their new sailing and to explain their options if they wish to amend their booking.

Wightlink’s fleet and operations director John Burrows said: “We apologise to all our customers who will be affected by this unavoidable change to our timetable.

“Although we are doing our best to make sure everyone will be able to travel this weekend, we know many people may be inconvenienced at this busy time of the year.”

See www.wightlink.co.uk/updates for full details and the new timetable.