A technical problem with the linkspan at Red Funnel’s Southampton terminal is leading to delays for those crossing the Solent this Sunday morning.
Red Falcon was due to depart the vehicle ferry terminal at Southampton at 10:00, but almost 30 minutes later it remains stuck in port.
Meanwhile, the 09:30 sailing from East Cowes – operated using Red Osprey – is slowly making its way up Southampton Water, but is unable to dock until the problem is resolved and Red Falcon has moved off.
Customers have been told that once the problem has been fixed, for which there is no estimated time, it will take a further 20 minutes to fully test the functionality of the linkspan.
Customers on board the effected sailings have been told of the issue, but there has been no wider announcement through the cross-Solent operator’s website, social media or text system.
UPDATE @ 11:43 – Red Funnel has now confirmed that its service is suspended until further notice due to the linkspan issue.
No estimated time of completion for repairs has been given.
UPDATE @ 11:58 – Red Osprey has finally docked in Southampton, some 2-and-a-half hours after leaving East Cowes.
Red Falcon is now en-route to East Cowes, and Red Eagle is also crossing the Solent heading to Southampton.
Red Funnel is advising of delays of around 60 minutes for all future sailings today.
Oh dear. They just can’t help but add more fuel to the fire of their own demise. Another new ‘technical issue’ to go alongside the raft of others and staff shortages. Can this company actually do anything right (apart from just selling mediocre coffee)?