Hundreds of holidaymakers have been facing disruption to their travel plans today as a technical fault meant that the Scillonian could not sail. Hundreds of people travel to and from the mainland on a daily basis (a substantial proportion of whom are day trip passengers).
It was made clear by Sunday afternoon that the Scillonian would not sail on Monday and visitors booked in for Monday were advised to make alternative arrangements. The problem worse affected visitors staying in guesthouses, as in many cases, they could not be re-accommodated in the same guesthouse. Campers faced fewer problems as there were still spaces available on all the Island’s campsites.
Helicopter and Skybus services have been struggling to cope with the massive extra demand for seats. The problems were further extended by the fact that one of British International’s two helicopters remained grounded.
Engineers were still working on the fault at teatime on Monday whilst Steamship company officials were still hopeful of a Tuesday sailing. A further update on the sailing will be posted on Scilly News at 9:00AM on Tuesday morning, with the latest news direct from the Steamship Company offices in Penzance.
Meanwhile, freight services to the Islands have been disrupted with Fruit and Veg re-scheduled for the Monday night sailing of the Gry. For the meantime, the Scillonian remains docked in Penzance until at least tomorrow morning.