Cross-Solent services are once again being affected by adverse weather conditions this morning (Saturday) after a week of continued disruption.
Challenging weather conditions mean that Red Funnel has suspended its hi-speed Red Jet service in its entirety.
It’s unknown when services between West Cowes and Southampton will continue, with the ferry operator stating that the safety of passengers and crew is a top priority.
Hovertravel is advising that disruption is expected on its Ryde to Southsea service today, but as it stands services are operating to timetable.
UPDATE @ 07:33 – Hovertravel has confirmed that its service is now also suspended due to the adverse weather.
An update is due at 08:45, although it seems unlikely services will resume at that time with the bad weather set to last throughout this morning and into the early part of this afternoon.
According to RF website and vessel finder all services are running on time
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:-
“If Isambard Kingdom Brunel had emigrated from Bristol to live on the island in the 19th century, we would not have to endure the slings and arrows of having an antiquated pre-19th century mode of transport to cross a small stretch of seawater during the 21st century.
IKB would undoubtedly have built a rail tunnel to connect the IW with the mainland which would rid us of all the overwhelmingly negative aspects of being totally reliant on the same system the Romans used 2000 years ago to cross The Solent. A 24/7 shuttle rail link would have positive effects economically, socially, medically and educationally.
Fair point, however in the current real world, this is an Island that realistically requires a modern ferry service that is reliable, with reasonable fares that works for Island people, this is an Island that deserves a competent company that respects Island life 365 days of the year.
This Island is fairly unique, as an Island there will be problems due to weather, the weather very rarely cuts the Island off completely.
A decent reliable commute of approx. 4 miles should not cost the earth to travel on and constantly suffer from staff shortages and break downs, that is where the real issue is not the weather.
A fixed link will not solve all the Island problems, but would create a multitude of problems that do not currently exist.
If you don’t want to live on the Island then you can always move.