Isle of Wight ferry cancellations are expected on Wednesday (December 27) and Thursday (December 28) due to a mix of strong winds and ongoing maintenance.

Red Funnel’s East Cowes – Southampton car ferry, Red Falcon, is currently receiving maintenance.

Tomorrow, the 5.15am and 5.15pm sailings from Southampton and the 6.45am and 6.46pm from East Cowes have been cancelled.

The 8.15am, 11.15am and 2.15pm crossings from Southampton and the 9.45am, 12.45pm and 3.45pm from East Cowes will now operate as freight-only sailings, said Red Funnel.

A spokesperson said: “We've moved affected customers travelling from Southampton to the nearest available sailing times and are contacting them with an update.

“However, due to the high volume of traffic travelling from East Cowes on December 27, we are unable to make changes in advance, and therefore anticipate disruption to crossings from the Island throughout the day.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

The cross-Solent operator says it “anticipates cancellations” to its Red Jet passenger service on Wednesday between 11am – 5pm and on Thursday between 1.30pm – 5.30pm.

Due to this, Red Funnel says its vehicle ferry may encounter longer crossing times.