Red Funnel has been forced to cancel 12 of its timetabled sailings for tomorrow (Friday) as the ongoing issues with Red Eagle enter a 4th day.
It was on Tuesday afternoon that a problem with the voith unit – a seemingly common issue – arose, leading to the cancellation of 4 sailings on the East Cowes-Southampton route.
With serious repairs needed, the cross-Solent operator then announced the cancellation of 10 timetabled sailings for Wednesday – with the 21:45 from East Cowes also cancelled.
Today (Thursday), Red Funnel cancelled an initial 8 sailings, followed by a further 4.
It has been confirmed that the 05:00, 08:00, 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 and 20:00 sailings from Southampton have all been pulled for Friday, as have the 06:30, 09:30, 12:30, 15:30, 18:30 and 21:30 sailings from East Cowes.
The cross-Solent operator says that the ‘extended works’ to the voith unit on Red Eagle have led to the further cancellations.
It’s unclear if the problem will be resolved ahead of the weekend, or whether customers can expected further disruption.
Ferries totally unreliable, what about the future of the Island, this isnt right when Commercial money grabbing companies leave Island residents losing out on necessary links to the Mainland, Supply chains disrupted, Medical care ignored and Hospitality industry in disarray because visitors dont want to book for next year in case more ferry journeys are cancelled with no hope from Red Funnel of a reliable service for 4 years until a new ferry arrives (no doubt with problems like the new edition floating bridge)
No wonder schools are closing as the birthrate is decreasing,
Where is the forward planning, as we cant rely on Wightlink and Red Funnel.
Everyone needs to boycott Red Funnel. The only thing they understand is revenue. The only people they care about are their shareholders. One week of empty boats and loss of revenue will have the shareholders stamping their feet. One week of Islanders voting with their feet. One week of possible inconvenience. We need to stick together to force change. Fight smart.
I agree with your comments, the trouble is, however, a lot of people need to travel with them however much the delay for work and other appointments, it is not a simple case of boycott, but grit your teeth and pray or go earlier in case of problems, for many people this is an essential service of need not choice, that cannot simply be boycotted.
Red Funnel and Wightlink know they have a large degree of need not want customers they can take advantage of!
We are travelling Monday and were informed that our ferry has been cancelled. Moved our booking to a later crossing which ruins our travel plans. Called customer services only to be told ‘can’t help you’ and send an email. An appalling way to treat customers and time for the CEO to resign. Hang your head in shame