Vehicle ferry cancelled during Cowes Week

Red Eagle has developed a fault with its propulsion unit, Red Funnel said

Vehicle ferry services between Southampton and East Cowes face disruption due to a technical issue with a vessel.

Operator Red Funnel said its Red Eagle ferry was experiencing a problem with its propulsion unit and some sailings had been cancelled.

A revised timetable is in place but it said passengers would not be able to any book on to alternative sailings until later this evening

It comes during one of the island's busiest weeks of the year with the annual Cowes Week yachting regatta continuing until Friday.

Red Funnel said the issue was affecting the forward voith unit - the propeller driven by the main engine.

Services were also cancelled in May when Red Eagle developed a problem with its aft voith unit. Red Funnel confirmed the latest matter was separate and unrelated.