The Isle of Wight ferry between Yarmouth to Lymington has been cancelled this evening (Friday, December 22) after a Wightlink vessel was forced to return to port.

The 5.05pm vehicle ferry to Lymington departed Yarmouth but returned to the dock shortly after.

Commuters on board were told ‘engine issues’ had forced the Wight Sky ferry to make a hasty return back to the Island.

Passengers have said the cross-Solent travel operator has updated them on the situation, telling them no further ferries will be running - with this evening's commuters soon to be notified. 

A Wightlink spokesperson said: "Due to a mechanical issues, the remaining sailings on our Lymington to Yarmouth route this evening have been cancelled.

"Customers will be rebooked on our Portsmouth to Fishbourne route and will be contacted shortly."

The Wight Sun and Wight Light vehicles ferries remain docked in Lymington, while the Wight Sky is still docked in Yarmouth at this time.

UPDATE: Wight Sky has departed Yarmouth and is crossing to Lymington with passengers on board.

The ferry reached Lymington at 6.35pm.