The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has suspended Hovertravel’s ISM Document of Compliance which allows them to operate. The effect of this is that the hovercraft ‘Freedom 90’ and ‘Island Express’ cannot operate to and from the Isle of Wight.
We have taken this action because of safety concerns following an investigation into a propeller failure that occurred on a third craft which highlighted inconsistencies in their safety management systems, particularly with vessel maintenance.
Richard Pellew, Maritime and Coastguard Agency Area Operations Manager for the South East said:
“We are working closely with Hovertravel and the propeller manufacturers to investigate the circumstances around the propeller failure.
“Hovertravel’s management team has responded positively to our concerns and we will be working with them over the weekend to resolve the issues so these hovercraft can return to service as soon as possible”.
News Update: 20:58 from Hovertravel Ltd Click Link from Island Pulse.
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