THERE'S disruption to the Red Funnel ferry service today, with reports coming in that a ferry broke down this morning.

Red Osprey is already out of service due to the sudden discovery of faults last week, but this is another of the car ferry fleet. It is thought the ferry was unable to leave East Cowes this morning.

Passengers are being told of severe delays and one woman reported to the County Press she was unlikely to get off the Island today.

Traffic is building in East Cowes.

Isle of Wight County Press:

This morning's ferries are showing as running an hour behind schedule, on the Red Funnel website's live service feed, but there is no mention of a breakdown.

Red Funnel has been asked to clarify the situation.

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UPDATE 1.15pm: Red Funnel has confirmed Red Eagle has been removed from service.

A statement said: "Red Funnel regrets to inform customers that a technical fault has been discovered on board Red Eagle, requiring immediate and further investigation.

"To allow for diagnostics and repair work to be carried out, the vessel must be temporarily removed from service. With Red Osprey additionally out of service for repairs, the company will be operating a 1- boat “shuttle service” via Red Falcon until further notice.

"The vessel will depart from Southampton and East Cowes approximately every three hours.

"Red Funnel teams are reaching out to all affected customers to notify them of the changes. It has updated its website with today’s revised crossing times, along with advice on when to arrive at the terminal.

"For the most up-to-date times please visit Red Funnel’s ‘Live Service Status’ page at www.redfunnel.co.uk/Service Customers wishing to amend their booking due to this situation 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. Any customers wishing to amend their booking for today should get in touch with Red Funnel’s Contact Centre team at 02380 019192.

Leanna Lakes, operations director, said: “We sincerely apologise for this additional disruption to our vehicle ferry service between Southampton and East Cowes, especially as we are already contending with the disruption to our network.

"Our teams shore-side and on board continue to work their hardest to get passengers to their destinations as quickly and as safely as possible and we wish to thank all our customers in advance for their patience and understanding.

"We hope to have a second vessel back in operation from this evening and are completely focused on achieving this."