Faults mean Red Jets and some Red Funnel car ferries off

East Cowes is at a standstill, some Red Funnel vehicle ferry crossings are cancelled and all Red Jets are suspended this morning (Friday). Some bus routes have also been scapped while the problems remain.

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A 'mechanical fault' means Red Jets are currently suspended between Southampton and Cowes.

An update is expected at midday and follows other cancellations earlier today.

Vehicle ferry sailings at 10am from Southampton and 11.30am from East Cowes are cancelled due to a 'technical issue'.

The East Cowes one-way system is at a standstill.

Red Funnel said: "Due to a technical issue, it has been necessary to remove one of our ferries, Red Eagle, from service in order to facilitate repairs.

"We are therefore expecting significant disruption to our timetable, and apologise for any inconvenience caused."

It is offering passengers the chance to amend or cancel their sailings.

There are delays of up to 60 minutes are a result.

"They didn't tell us anything"

One passenger said: "They didn't tell us anything.

"I was on the 6.30 this morning but had a text to say the 8.30am was going to be delayed. Then I got another to say it was cancelled.  

"My 2pm return sailing to the Isle of Wight has now become 5:30.

"There's always a technical issue. The management need to come and see their customers and see what's going on."

On Twitter, Glenn Johnson wrote: "There absolutely needs to be an enquiry into working practices.

"This cannot continue."

Car ferries were due to depart at 9.30 and 10.30 from East Cowes.

An 11am sailing was expected to depart from Southampton.

The 9.30 crossing was delayed, however, because some vehicles could not be unloaded in East Cowes.

The problems have meant huge queues and gridlock through the town.

Southern Vectis said: "Route 4 buses between Ryde and East Cowes are suspended until the situation improves.

"Passengers are advised to catch and transfer between Route 5 and 9 buses until further notice"

Red Funnel crossings suspended. East Cowes gridlocked. Traffic @ a standstill. Route 4 buses between Ryde & East Cowes suspended until the situation improves.
Passengers are advised to catch & transfer between Route 5 & 9 buses until further notice

— Southern Vectis (@SouthernVectis) June 18, 2021

Diversions are in place due to York Avenue being closed for resurfacing.

A new diversion route was introduced yesterday after a burst main on the main alternative route through the town.