At the turn of the 90's, a new company Cowes Express opened up a fast cat service from Southampton to the Isle of Wight providing competition to Red Funnel. The service only lasted a few years. Pictured is Wight King (other vessel Wight Prince - I never managed to catch).

89 / 395gt

operator : Cowes Express

built : Brødene Aa Båtbyggeri, Hyen
yd # : 201

ex - Sant Agata - 89

94 > Bahia Express (ESP) - Fred Olsen S.A
97 > Shahrazad Express (ESP) - Trans Universal Seas Co.

caught fire and sank after engine room explosion, 31:07:2001
posn : 29.52N, 48.51E in the Arvand-Roud River, Khuzestan

photo : Southampton Water
photo : Dr. Allan Ryszka-Onions 1991/2008