HOVERTRAVEL has launched an investigation after one of its hovercraft fell flat this morning (Tuesday).


The company confirmed that there was "an issue" on the 7.45am from Southsea to Ryde this morning when passengers said the craft had difficulty making its way up the Ryde landing ramp. 

A spokesman said: "There will be no further comment on this issue until this investigation has concluded. 

"At no time was there any compromise to the safety of the passengers and the crew, although the service was delayed for ten minutes. 

"The craft has been inspected and is currently back in service. 

"Hovertravel recognises the inconvenience caused by disruptions during the implementation of the new fleet and would emphasise that for the past two weeks 80 per cent of the timetable has been operated by the new craft."

The two new multi-million pound craft have been dogged by technical problems since introduction in the summer.