Ferry disruption set to continue

Disruption to vehicle ferry services between Southampton and East Cowes is set to continue for more than a week following a technical issue with a vessel.

Operator Red Funnel said its Red Eagle ferry had developed a problem with its propulsion unit on Thursday and it was working with the manufacturers on a repair plan.

The firm said the vehicle ferry would be out of service up to and including 9 August, with a revised timetable in place.

It said "significant disruption" was expected on Friday, the final day of the annual Cowes Week yachting regatta.

"We are therefore asking many of our customers to arrive later than originally planned, as their sailing will be departing later than expected," it added.

Independent councillor for East Cowes Karl Love urged visitors not to cancel holidays on the island but to "press on to enjoy the most wonderful UK holiday destination".

"Today is one of the busiest for our island and yet again these old ferries, pushed to the limits of serviceability, put at risk millions of losses for our island economy on the main day of Cowes Week," he said.

Among those waiting to travel to the Isle of Wight for a holiday on Friday, Lisa Fanthom said she had been informed by text that her crossing would be delayed by three hours.

She said: "I don't think that's good enough service.

"We are paying good money to go on this ferry - they could find a new way of getting back-up ferries. I don't think it's right we should be delayed for three hours - that's not OK."

Red Funnel said the fault was with a key component within the vessel's forward propeller system.

Operations director Leanna Lakes said: "This has occurred well short of the of the unit’s predicted running hours.

"We are working closely with the team at [manufacturer] Voith to diagnose and resolve the problem.

"In the meantime, we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to our customers’ travel plans."

Crossings were also cancelled in May when Red Eagle developed a problem with its aft voith unit. Red Funnel confirmed the current issue was separate and unrelated.

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