Isle of Wight ferry firm Wightlink has been asked a series of questions by Island MP Bob Seely.

It is part of his campaign for better ferry services, which he announced in March.

Then, he was critical of both ferry firms and said he was probing into cross-Solent ferry services.

Today, the MP says he has written to Wightlink.

In the letter, Mr Seely highlights what he describes as "the decline in Wightlink services, the levels of disruption caused by mechanical and maintenance issues, and the levels of debt".

He said the decline in speed and frequency of services between 2001 and today has resulted in a reduction in Ryde passenger sailings by up to 45 per cent, a reduction in Fishbourne car ferry sailings by up to 38 per cent, and a reduction in Yarmouth car ferry sailings by up to 56 per cent.

Mr Seely said that based on Wightlink’s Twitter travel updates, services were disrupted by technical, mechanical, maintenance or staff issues on 59 days in the two years to 14 April 2024. This does not include disruption due to weather, operational issues or emergencies.

He said: “I am gathering evidence to show that both the ferry firms are letting Islanders down." 

He said the information he has gathered is going to the Isle of Wight Council and to government.