Littlehampton ferry ‘could be closed until Covid-19 vaccine is found’

Littlehamampton’s ferry could be closed until a vaccine for Covid-19 is found, according to its owner.
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As the end of the ferry season loomed last week, the team announced on Facebook that it would not be operating again this year due to the pandemic – and a lack of financial support from the Government meant it could be closed for good.

“Perhaps we will be back next year but it is too early to say,” they said.

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But speaking to the Gazette, ferry boss Robert Boyce said they had now received funding and the ferry’s future was secure.

Fiona and Robert Boyce by the Littlehampton Ferry entrance in Pier Road, LittlehamptonFiona and Robert Boyce by the Littlehampton Ferry entrance in Pier Road, Littlehampton
Fiona and Robert Boyce by the Littlehampton Ferry entrance in Pier Road, Littlehampton

However, he felt that ‘we won’t be running a service until we get a vaccine’.

He said under the current social distancing guidance, they could only get four or five people on the ferry, plus the crew member, with a normal passenger capacity of 12.

Robert said: “We have to operate to full capacity to come close to breaking even.”

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He added: “When there is an emergency situation on a boat and someone needs saving, we will have to get up close and personal with them.”

Before the coronavirus pandemic broke out, Robert and his wife Fiona had big plans for the Littlehampton Ferry, which they have been operating for eight years.

Over the last 18 months, the couple had invested a lot of money in upgrading the ferry, which would also have allowed them to drive it three miles out to sea and offer tours of the harbour, coastline and the River Arun as far north as Arundel.

But coronavirus put paid to those plans.

“It is hugely disappointing, especially given the fantastic spring and early summer that we had during those early months of lockdown.

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“The ferry’s financial performance is weather-dependent, so we can say we were on for a bumper year.”

Robert, who also owns the Littlehampton Yacht Club, said it had been ‘heartbreaking’ to see the impact coronavirus had on other local businesses.