MV St Faith

MV St Faith is a vehicle and passenger ferry operated by Wightlink on its route from Portsmouth to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight. As with former sister ship, there were plans to increase St Faiths capacity by extending her length by. Entering service in 1990, the ferry's name is taken from St Faith's Church, Cowes.

Incidents

2010 dock collision

On arrival in Portsmouth on 28 May 2010, St Faith collided heavily with the dock, injuring two passengers and causing minor damage. The vessel was temporarily withdrawn from service.

2015 breakdown

On 28 February 2015 the St Faith suffered an engine failure in the middle of the Solent around 20 minutes into the 8 am crossing to the Isle of Wight. The captain decided to return to Portsmouth, and tug towed the ferry back to the Gunwharf Quays terminal. The crew switched to to continue the service. After repairs, St Faith returned to service on 13 March 2015.

2017 fire

On 19 January 2017 a fire broke out in a cigarette bin on the port side bridge wing of the ferry whilst mid-Solent. The fire was extinguished by crew and no casualties were reported. Two fire appliances from Ryde Fire Station were sent to the scene at Wightlink's Fishbourne ferry terminal along with the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service's Incident Support Unit from East Cowes. Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and local police also attended the incident.