WIGHTLINK has apologised for the recent reliability issues affecting car ferry routes.

The ferry operator said it was aware the issues have caused disruption for customers.

Chief executive Keith Greenfield said: "We have experienced minor engine faults on two of our ships — Wight Light and Victoria of Wight.

"In both cases the vessels are still in service while we address the issues but we have imposed a 25 knot wind restriction as a precaution.

"I am sorry for the inconvenience this has caused to people's travel plans at this busy time of the year.

"We are doing everything we can to return both routes to normal service as quickly as possible but we have to put safety first by imposing this wind restriction.

"Unfortunately, we have also been affected by unusual levels of staff sickness which caused some services to be cancelled while a replacement was sourced."