Hayling ferry’s return delayed by inspection

There has been no service between Eastney and Hayling for three weeks since the Tina Maria broke down.

The much-larger 65-seater Pride of Hayling has been out of action for more than 10 months.

Work has now been completed on the boat but it is down to the Maritime & Coastguard Agency to agree that she can go back on the water.

According to Tina Edwards, director of the Hayling Ferry Company, the out-of-water inspection was carried out on Thursday and the MCA is happy.

But the next available slot for an in-water inspection, which must be carried out before the ferry can go back into service, is not until next Friday.

Miss Edwards said: ‘That means it should be running by November 10.’

The Tina Maria was taken out of service on October 7 after it was damaged when it hit the Hayling pontoon.

It then blew a gasket in the engine.

Schoolchildren from Southsea’s independent schools, who make up the majority of passengers, are back from half-term on Monday.