WIGHTLINK cancellations tomorrow (Friday) have been blamed on high winds.

No weather warning have been issued for the Isle of Wight, but a Wightlink spokesperson said winds had been forecast in the Solent.

Wightlink are no longer taking online bookings for sailings between 9.30am and 4.30pm on the Fishbourne to Portsmouth route. Bookings are only available online for two sailings on the Lymington to Yarmouth route, and an alternative timetable is in effect.

Customers can still book by telephone or at ticket offices.

By limiting the number of online bookings, in the case of cancellations, Wightlink said there would be fewer customers who need to be rebooked on a different ferry.

Wightlink said the cancellations were not due to problems with Victoria of Wight. Last month the vessel suffered an electrical fault as it was leaving Portsmouth Harbour. This has now been fixed and the ferry is operating two days a week while the crew are training.

A spokesperson for Wightlink said: "This is a customary precaution when adverse weather is forecast.

"Customers who have already booked to travel should turn up at the port as usual.

"Customers who do need to travel can book by telephone through the contact centre or call in at ticket offices and the usual administration fee will be waived on this occasion."