Red Funnel has announced the cancellation of 2 vehicle ferry crossings this afternoon (Monday), as well as up to 2-and-a-half hour delays for those travelling to and from the Isle of Wight.
The 15:00 sailing from Southampton and the 16:30 from East Cowes have both been cancelled due to a mechanical issue with Red Falcon.
Furthermore, the cross-Solent operator is advising of 60-minute delays on the 16:00 sailing from Southampton and the 17:30 from East Cowes.
Those travelling on either the 17:00 from Southampton or the 18:30 from East Cowes face delays of 150 minutes.
This afternoon’s disruption comes just days after Red Funnel announced it was cancelling 72 crossings over the next 2 weeks to enable the company to continue operating a normal weekend service. 30% of the workforce are having to self-isolate, with the recruitment of new staff also proving to be an issue.
Red Funnel apologises for any inconvenience to your journey.
UPDATE @ 14:57 – It has now been confirmed that the 18:00 from Southampton has also been cancelled, alongside the 19:30 return from East Cowes.
UPDATE @ 15:07 – 90 minute delays are being advised for those booked to depart Southampton at 19:30 and East Cowes at 21:00.
UPDATE @ 17:20 – A spokesperson for Red Funnel has said:
“We are experiencing disruption to our timetable this afternoon. This follows a routine technical inspection which resulted in the need to remove the Red Falcon from service to allow for repairs to be made to the engine due to an issue with the cooling system. The safety of our passengers and team is our number one priority and we are working hard to keep traffic moving, with all passengers being transferred to another sailing. We will issue an update on Red Falcon’s return to service as soon as we have more information.
“We advise anyone travelling today to arrive no sooner than advised and to check the service status on the Red Funnel website where updated departure and arrival times are available. We do appreciate that this will disrupt people’s plans for today and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
Treat the staff and local properly and you might get staff, looks like your paying for the stupidity you showed during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd lockdowns, about time. Bye Bye Red Funnel soon to be Dead Funnel.
Why on earth has the floating bridge not been used to help out. Oh hang on it’s not working sorry.
Plus it’s chain driven. May have a big thing to do with it lol
Oh well may as well advertise try and come to the sunny isle of wight if you like sitting in your car for hours on end and then again on your return journey !!!!!!!!.
Not nice for the worker’s though long day followed by long delays …….
They are an out of date mode of transport, we need something better, quicker. not extortionately priced and reliable.
LIKE A BRIDGE.
Boring
In a summer of staycations, Red Funnel have killed the island. Do you think any of these holiday makers caught up in all this disruption will ever return? Unlikely.
grow up wasp star
What a total shambles. Sack the Chief Exec !
Sadly these last minute tech problems with the ferries will arise from time to time. All the ferry companies need to ensure they are at the top of their game for routine maintenance especially during the peak season to ensure the service to passengers run smoothly. However in service defects will arise and as long as dealt with as quickly and safely as possible then these actions must be followed. I would not vote for a bridge or tunnel
Red funnel really want us to build a fixed link don’t they. Well done red funnel, killing the island.
Not sure which service is worse Ted funnel or Cal Mac. Just now news of yet another of their ferries breaking down. It seems hardly a day goes by without news of either operator having problems. At least on the Island is not left stranded for days on end which happened to Barra & Lewis in recent months