A series of recent cancellations on the Red Jet service has blighted the Cowes to Southampton route - and today there's a new problem.

An issue with the starboard bellows on Red Jet 7 has been announced this morning and some sailings have been cancelled.

The 8.25am and 9.35am from Cowes to Southampton are off.

The 9am Southampton to Cowes has also been cancelled.

We will update this page with any further cancellations or check at the Red Funnel service status page.

UPDATE 2pm: A spokesperson from Red Funnel said: “Four sailings were cancelled this morning due to Red Jet 7 undergoing maintenance, we apologise to customers for inconvenience caused. We are once again running our full timetable with Red Jet 6. Red Jet 4 is available and ready for service when needed.”

Red Funnel's Red Jet problems on Cowes to Southampton route

The crossing has been blighted with issues, mainly due to Red Jet 4 which racked up a problems and cancellations in recent months - and very few sailings.

  • In October, it was out of service awaiting a survey and re-certification.
  • In November, Red Funnel said it would be back up and running
  • In December, a fault with its fuel pump meant it could not carry passengers and essential parts were being delivered.
  • After months off, it returned on January 21.
  • Just three days later, on January 24, its engine set off an alarm and it was withdrawn.
  • On February 7, the operator told the Isle of Wight County Press a delivery of parts had been received and repairs were ongoing.
  • On March 3, it was still awaiting parts.
  • Red Jet 4 returned on March 31 but not for long.

The ferry operator was hit with staff shortages and then engine failure.

Problems persisted into the Easter holidays.

A third boat, Red Jet 6 is operating today.

Red Funnel has apologised for the inconvenience.