TRAVEL misery for Isle of Wight cross-Solent ferry users continues today (Sunday) as Red Funnel withdraw the Red Eagle for another day on its East Cowes-Southampton route.

Up to and including Friday this coming week (September 13), the Island ferry company will continue to cancel crossings, after they took its Red Eagle vehicle ferry out of service due to a "technical malfunction".

SCROLL DOWN FOR REVISED TIMETABLE

It has been a period of woe for Red Funnel this week, with around 50 ferry sailings this week being cancelled, due to "extended works" on Red Eagle's Voith propeller unit.

On Tuesday (September 3), four sailings were cancelled, with delays of around 45 minutes later in the evening, followed by 11 cancellations on Wednesday (September 4), 12 on Thursday (September 5), 12 on Friday (September 6) and several more yesterday (Saturday).

Here is what Red Funnel posted on its website today (Sunday) — an update on yesterday's post: "Our vehicle ferry, Red Eagle, has been temporarily removed from service due to a technical malfunction.

"To allow repairs to be carried out, we will be operating a revised timetable up to, and including, Friday September 13.

"Despite our regular Voith propeller maintenance programme, another critical component of the vessel’s forward propeller system has unexpectedly malfunctioned at the two-year mark of its five-year shelf life.

"This is causing high temperatures and low oil pressure, which is being investigated by our engineering team.

"They’re working closely with the manufacturer to resolve the issue."

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Earlier this week, the cross-Solent operator apologised to its customers for any inconvenience caused.

Below is the revised ferry timetable between East Cowes and Southampton:

Departing East Cowes: 

​Today (Sunday, September 8): 10:30 / 11:30 / 13:30 / 14:30 / 16:30 / 17:30 / 19:30 / 20:30 / 22:30 / 23:30.
Tomorrow (Monday, September 9): 01:30 / 04:30 / 07:30 / 08:30 / 10:30 / 11:30 / 13:30 / 14:30 / 16:30 / 17:30 / 19:30 / 20:30 / 22:30 / 23:30.
Tuesday, September 10, to Thursday, September 12: 01:30 / 04:30 / 07:30 / 08:30 / 10:30 / 11:30 / 13:30 / 14:30 / 16:30 / 17:30 / 19:30 / 20:30 / 22:30 / 23:30.
Friday, September 13: 01:30 / 04:30 / 07:30 / 08:30 / 10:30 / 11:30 / 13:30 / 14:30 / 14:55 / 16:30 / 17:30 / 19:30 / 20:30 / 22:30 / 23:30.

Departing Southampton: 

Today (Sunday, September 8): 09:00 / 10:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 18:00 / 19:00 / 21:00 / 22:00 / 23:59
Tomorrow (Monday, September 9): 03:00 / 06:00 / 07:00 / 09:00 / 10:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 18:00 / 19:00 / 21:00 / 22:00 / 23:59
Tuesday, September 10, to Thursday, September 12: 03:00 / 06:00 / 07:00 / 09:00 / 10:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 18:00 / 19:00 / 21:00 / 22:00 / 23:59
Friday, September 13:: 03:00 / 06:00 / 07:00 / 09:00 / 10:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 18:00 / 19:00 / 21:00 / 22:00 / 23:59

It was revealed later that the ferry firm plans to replace its aging fleet with three new vessels, albeit they will not be around for another four or five years.

With the state of the Island's ferries arguably the biggest Island issue at the recent General Election, Islanders are urging the Isle of Wight's two new MPs — Richard Quigley (IW West) and Joe Robertson (East) — to continue putting pressure on the new government to regulate ferry services offered by Wightlink and Red Funnel.

A disgruntled ferry user started a petition last month on behalf of angry Island businesses and passengers, which now stands at more than 15,000.

Passengers with a booking with Red Funnel from between today and Friday, September 13, will be contacted directly with an offer of alternative crossing times or cancellation.

"With a reduced service, availability will be limited, and we are therefore unable to guarantee any amendment requests," the company added.

"We are still in the process of moving traffic, so please wait to be contacted with an alternative time before getting in touch for an update."

Customers with urgent enquires with same day bookings can get in touch via Red Funnel's contact centre on 02380 019192.