Red Funnel has once again cancelled a number of sailings on its vehicle ferry service to and from the Isle of Wight, as engine troubles on board Red Eagle lead to a third day of significant disruption.
It was on Saturday morning that the ferry developed an engine fault whilst travelling up Southampton Water, on what was the vessel’s first day back in service following a refit in Falmouth. It was also the firm’s first day of a delayed Summer timetable.
Unable to quickly repair the problem, Red Eagle was pulled from service, resulting in cancellations throughout Saturday and again on Sunday.
Now, the cross-Solent operator has confirmed the cancellation of even more sailings today (Monday). However, there have been no texts to advise of this, nor is there any detailed information on Red Funnel’s website.
The failure of 1 of 3 aging Raptor-class ferries comes at the start of the 2-week Easter half term – a busy time for cross-Solent travel in both directions.
It has been confirmed that the 08:00, 09:00, 11:00, 12:00 and 14:00 sailings from Southampton have all been pulled, as have the 09:30, 10:30, 12:30 and 13:30 sailings from East Cowes.
Further cancellations are expected to be confirmed as the day progresses, with no indication as to when Red Eagle will return to service.
The East Cowes-Southampton service is operating with Red Falcon and Red Osprey, with Red Kestrel carrying freight.
What a total and absolute shambles. They must be losing money hand over fist. Red Funnels days have to be numbered now. Where is Quigley and Robertson on this. Quigley is still in hiding and earning his £90,000 plus salary for doing sod all. Oh Red Funnel, why are your accounts STILL not showing up at companies house. Broken ship, sinking ship of a company I feel.
Quigley was going to sort out the ferries in his first 100 days….
Should be sold off