Passengers on Red Funnel’s high-speed service between Southampton and West Cowes were unexpectedly delayed this evening after a fault developed on one of its high-speed craft.
The 18.45pm Red Jet sailing from Southampton was almost back to port at West Cowes when the crew on-board realised that a booster had failed, meaning the vessel could not dock successfully.
Making its way back to Southampton, the Red Jet and its angry passengers had a lengthy 30 minute wait while a tug was brought in to push the faulty craft into the dockside at the vehicle ferry terminal landing.
Thankfully, all passengers affected were transferred onto the 20.45pm sailing, however this was also delayed due to weather conditions in the Solent.
Engineers managed to fix the faulty booster and the craft was put back into operation for the slightly delayed crossing.
A spokesperson for Red Funnel get in touch with The Gazette today (Monday 23rd) to issue the following statement…
‘Red Funnel apologises for any inconvenience caused to passengers on the 18.45 Red Jet service from Southampton to Cowes on Sunday 22 May. A technical fault was reported with the starboard engine of the Red Jet, meaning it was unable to safely dock in Cowes, especially due to high winds. The safety of customers and staff is paramount to Red Funnel and so the Red Jet returned to Southampton, where it could dock safely, and passengers were put on a specially arranged service to Cowes at 20.30. The fault was rectified shortly afterwards and no further services have been impacted.’
