SATURDAY FERRY CANCELLATIONS HIT BOTH WIGHTLINK AND RED FUNNEL CUSTOMERS

There is disruption for those crossing the Solent with both Wightlink and Red Funnel this evening (Saturday) with several cancellations due to staffing issues and mechanical breakdowns.

Earlier on in the day Wightlink pulled the 12:40 and 14:40 sailings from Portsmouth Gunwharf and the 13:40 and 15:40 sailings from Fishbourne on its car ferry service. But there is more disruption expected this evening with the 20:00 sailing from Portsmouth also cancelled, alongside the 21:00 sailing from Portsmouth.

The cross-Solent operator says the cancellation of all 6 sailings is due to the absence of an essential crew member. This situation comes just days after Wightlink announced it is looking to slash its workforce, with the union RMT threatening strike action.

Unfortunately, those travelling with Red Funnel are not escaping the disruption. A mechanical breakdown on the East Cowes-Southampton vehicle ferry service has led to a number of cancellations this evening.

Island Echo understands the 17:00 sailing from Southampton, operated by Red Osprey, failed to make it to the Isle of Wight due to a mechanical breakdown. The vessel did an about turn and returned to Southampton, with passengers not offloading until 18:30.

Red Funnel has confirmed the cancellation of the 18:30 and 21:45 sailings from East Cowes, as well as the 20:15 from Southampton.

It is unclear at this early stage if the vessel will be able to be quickly repaired and back in service for tomorrow.