Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company remains committed to resuming ferry as surveys set to reveal extent of pontoon damage

SURVEYS to assess the damage to Hythe ferry’s pontoon are continuing, as the operator says it’s still committed to bringing it back into service.

As reported in the A&T, the route, which connects Hythe and Southampton, stopped operating on 22nd August after engineers found the damage, rendering it unsafe.

In an update, the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company said divers had been on site to undertake a thorough survey of the structure and were due to carry out a sonar survey subject to weather conditions.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Once this process is complete and the reports have been assessed, we will update on next steps as soon as we can.

“Whilst the service is not running, please do come down and show your support by walking the pier for only £2.”

The company has said it “remains committed” to the ferry’s return.

Last year it was feared the service would be lost completely when then-operator Blue Funnel Cruises said it was running at an unsustainable loss.

It was poised to stop on 31st December until Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel confirmed it would take over the route.

It was under threat in 2016, prompting campaigners to set up a petition which was signed by thousands.