DISRUPTION to Red Funnel's service is expected this weekend as one of its ferries has been unexpectedly pulled from service.

Following a routine inspection aboard Red Osprey, defects have been noted on the vessel’s aft main engine and the Voith propulsion system.

While the two defects are not serious enough to affect the safe operation of the vessel, immediate repairs need to be undertaken to prevent greater damage.

Accordingly, the vessel has been withdrawn from service, and repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the weekend.

The withdrawal of Red Osprey from service is expected to cause disruption to Red Funnel’s timetable into the weekend.

Leanna Lakes, operations director, said: “We truly apologise for the
anticipated disruption to our vehicle ferry service between Southampton and East Cowes, especially as we head into the bank holiday weekend.

"Our teams shore-side and on-board will be working extremely hard and doing their very best to help passengers get to their destination as quickly and as safely as possible.

"We recognise that the interruption could not have come at a worse time, especially for those with holiday plans and for this, we sincerely apologise.

"We will keep customers informed of our progress and hope to resolve
this matter as quickly as possible.”

All affected passengers with existing bookings will be contacted by Red Funnel and receive the latest information about revised expected departure times.

Any customers wishing to amend their booking between now and the end of the bank holiday weekend can do so free of charge, with no additional amendment fees.

Customers wishing to cancel their booking can also do so and receive a full refund, with no added cancellation fees.

Customers without a booking are advised not to arrive to the vehicle ferry terminals. 
Red Funnel has taken measures to maximise space for private vehicle traffic aboard its other two vehicle ferries, Red Falcon and Red Eagle.

Red Kestrel, Red Funnel’s ‘freight only’ ferry will be brought in to complete additional (previously unscheduled) trips, freeing more vehicle deck space for non-freight vehicle traffic.
With the current passenger capacity of the vehicle ferries capped at 500, in response to Covid-19 social distancing measures, the company is also redirecting all foot passenger traffic to its Hi-Speed Red Jet service, which is currently running to timetable.