CANCELLING cross-Solent sailings is not acceptable and Red Funnel should have more staff available, disgruntled Islanders have said this week.

The new year started with cancellations on both the Red Funnel passenger and car ferry routes, due to the absence of a critical crew member — something that had become a regular occurrence throughout 2021.

We looked at the comments on the IW County Press Breaking News group on Facebook, when the first cancellation of 2022 was announced, on Monday.

Gordon Jamison asked: "When will the ferry companies realise that they provide a most important and critical link between the Island and the mainland and to cancel sailings for the sake of one crew member is not acceptable?"

Matt Wickham said: "I don't understand why they don't have staff reserved, whatever the reason for this crew member being unavailable. If it's Covid related, have a back up plan or back up staff so you can react to someone being unwell or testing positive. Needs better organisation."

Frank Wharmby said: "They just take their customers for granted. This is a critical service for the Isle of Wight so put back up in place."

Annie Breden said: "Red Funnel are a joke. A member of the crew goes sick and the ‘service’ stops just like that, no reserve crew members then?"

We put Gordon Jamison's question to Red Funnel, as an example of the comments.

Addressing the reduced service levels, Leanna Lakes, operations director at Red Funnel said: “On board our ferries, we are required by law to have a certain number of critical roles to ensure the safety of passengers, and our vessels are not permitted to sail should any of these critical roles be unfilled.

“We work hard to maintain a reliable service, supporting our colleagues, redeploying team members where possible, increasing training and recruitment.

"Delays and cancellations are always a last resort, and we always work to provide 24-hours’ notice to our customers.”

Island MP Bob Seely has called for compensation for ferry passengers, government regulation of timetables and support for a rival company to Red Funnel and Wightlink.

Read more: Mr Seely tells parliament: “The ferry services fall down too often.”

Red Funnel is currently recruiting for 17 roles including services assistants, customer advisors, engineering officer and chief officers.

For more information on current vacancies, visit redfunnel.co.uk/en/corporate-info/employment-and-careers