Cross-Solent operator Red Funnel have this afternoon confirmed that Red Jet 4 will return from a shortened refit next week to resume a normal Red Jet timetable from Wednesday (16th October).
An hourly shuttle service is currently in operation with departures at approximately xx:15 from West Cowes and xx:45 from Southampton. Boarding cards are in use and are being issued on a first come first served basis although where possible customers are advised to travel via East Cowes at peak times – a free connecting boat service is operating from the West Cowes pontoon to East Cowes between 07:00-09:00hrs Mon-Fri to connect with vehicle ferry sailings to Southampton.
Paul Winter, CEO commented:
“I would like to apologise sincerely to customers for the current disruption and to assure them that everything possible is being done to minimise the inconvenience which includes deploying additional resources to speed-up Red Jet 4’s annual refit. With Red Jet 5 unintentionally sidelined, Red Jet 4 in refit and no 30+ knot vessels available to charter we have had no option but to operate a one boat service. Compensation to daily travellers will be offered once the normal timetable resumes”.
Red Funnel has completed its investigation into the accident involving Red Jet 5 and the Hythe Knock buoy on Thursday. The investigation concluded that the cause was human error and the Commander in charge of the vessel at the time has resigned and left the company.
