A HOVERCRAFT lost lift power during sea trials off the Isle of Wight this morning (Friday).

The hovercraft, Tanso, was struck by a technical issue during sea trials in Ryde, Griffon Hoverwork has confirmed.

It is the third hovercraft built by Griffon Hoverwork for the Oita prefecture in Japan.

The issue caused a loss of lift power, but the craft was able to make its own way to Ryde hoverport, albeit at a slower speed.

Griffon Hoverwork’s engineering team were on site to investigate and rectify the issue.

It has since been fixed and the sea trials will continue, as planned, over the weekend and on Monday.

Once the sea trials are finished the craft will be shipped to Japan.