Red Funnel’s hi-speed Red Jet service has been suspended until further notice due to an engine failure, which has prompted an emergency response from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. An issue with the starboard engine on Red Jet 4 means that it is unable to depart from the West Cowes terminal, resulting in the West Cowes to Southampton service being suspended until further notice. 2 fire appliances from Cowes and Newport are in attendance at Town Quay, alongside the Incident Support Unit from East Cowes. It’s understood that counter pollution measures are being executed due to a diesel leak, with foam being used. The issue developed shortly before 15:00 this afternoon. UPDATE @ 19:17 – It has been confirmed that the Red Jet service has now returned to timetable, as of the 18:30 from Southampton and 19:05 from West Cowes. However, the 19:30 vehicle ferry from Southampton – and the 21:00 return from East Cowes – have been cancelled due to technical issue. UPDATE @ 19:35 – Red Funnel now says that the 19:40 from Southampton and the 20:15 from West Cowes are delayed by 30 minutes due to operational reasons – thought to be Police activity in Cowes UPDATE SUNDAY – A spokesperson from Red Funnel has said:
“Yesterday’s Red Jet service disruption was due to the 1425 West Cowes to Southampton service having to return to West Cowes 10 minutes into its journey. This was due to a fault with the fuel system on the starboard engine. The service returned safely to West Cowes and passengers were disembarked. “The fire brigade was called out as a precaution. At no point was there a fire or danger to passengers. “It became necessary to cancel a number of Red Jet services yesterday afternoon. By 1830 the service had been reinstated. “We’d like to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused during this period.”
