One of Red Funnel's foot passenger vessels — Red Jet 4 — is up for sale, the County Press can reveal, amid ongoing concerns over the reliability of the Isle of Wight ferry firm.

The company has told the County Press it has only 'partially renewed' the boat's certification and is prioritising the route's remaining vessels — one of which is currently out of operation, while the other has only just returned to service.

It comes after the resignation of eight directors at the company and follows major disruption with both the Red Jet and vehicle ferry service.

The whereabouts of Red Jet 4 have been in question for some time and in February, the County Press reported it had been out of action since the end of 2023.

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It is currently docked in Southampton. Red Jet 7 is at Wight Shipyard, East Cowes and Red Jet 6 returned to service today (March 19).

Now it can be confirmed that Red Jet 4, one of the older vessels in the fleet, has had interest from 'other operators'.

Leanna Lakes, operations director at Red Funnel, told the County Press: "We are carefully considering our options regarding her future in alignment with prioritising the reliability and sustainability of our services.

"We have only partially renewed her certification and are focused on ensuring that Red Jets 6 and 7 operates a reliable and punctual service to the high standards that our customers rightly expect.

"We will update further in due course regarding Red Jet 4.”

A listing on website Shipselector.com, shows a catamaran with redacted branding for sale through broker, Lager Maritime Corp.

It is on the market for $3.15 million.

A temporary timetable is in place on the Red Jet until at least Friday.

Red Jet 6 has resumed a one boat service on the route and additional sailings are being operated by Blue Funnel.

As previously reported, Red Funnel passengers were left stranded on Saturday after problems with the Red Jet coincided with vehicle sailings also being cancelled.

The disruption led to customers and politicians slamming the service.

The County Press previously asked Red Funnel to provide a statement on rumours that it could be changing hands.

In response, it said it would not 'comment on speculation.