POPULAR Isle of Wight visitor, the paddle steamer Waverley, has been prohibited from using both Ryde Pier and Yarmouth Pier — the latter requiring repairs after the historic passenger vessel made a 'hard landing' and damaged it.

Yarmouth Harbour Commission confirmed to the County Press that Waverley had caused structural damage to the pier on Sunday, September 8.

Scott Neill, the deputy harbourmaster, said: "I can confirm the Waverley had an unfortunate hard landing at the pier head, resulting in minor structural damage.

"Due to this, the Waverley will not be able to call at Yarmouth until necessary repairs have been arranged.

"However, the pier remains safe for pedestrian use."

In reply, Samuel Brown, marketing manager, of Waverley Excursions, said: "The ship was reported correctly by the harbourmaster to have landed heavy during a normal berthing operation recently, when coming alongside the pier.

"When Waverley or any ship berths it makes contact with the pier."

In addition, maintenance work will also be required to Yarmouth Pier's structure.

Waverley has also been prohibited from using its berth on Ryde Pier by Wightlink.

Its timetabled stops at Ryde Pier tomorrow (Saturday, September 21), Tuesday, September 24, and Wednesday, September 25, have been cancelled.

Mr Brown added: "Waverley is not able to call at Yarmouth Pier or Ryde Pier as planned due to the lack of an available berth.

"Unfortunately, the berth which Waverley uses on Ryde Pier is currently out of service and will be for the coming week.

"In addition to this, there is maintenance work required to Yarmouth Pier, therefore the remaining dates in this year’s sailing programme will no longer include the Isle of Wight as planned.

"Any passengers who are pre-booked from Yarmouth or Ryde, will be able to transfer to any sailing, or be offered a refund.

"We do apologise to those passengers who were intending to sail from Yarmouth or Ryde.

"Waverley will continue to operate from Portsmouth and Southampton as planned.

"This season, we’ve seen fantastic support with passenger sailings across the South Coast and the Isle of Wight.

"Passenger numbers have increased and it’s been wonderful to welcome so many people onboard. Their enthusiasm continues to be a huge part of Waverley's success.

"We look forward to returning in 2025."

Wightlink has been approached for a comment about Ryde Pier.