Read Authentic Ratings for the Red-Osprey

**Title: Cross-Solent Travel Disrupted as Technical Glitch Grounds Red Osprey Ferries** **Content:** Travelers on the cross-Solent route faced significant disruptions on April 7, 2026, due to a technical malfunction aboard the ferry 'Red Osprey,' operated by Red Funnel. The company alerted passengers early in the morning that the vessel would not be making its scheduled departures, affecting travel between the Isle of Wight and the mainland. The first cancellation occurred with the 9:30 a.m. sailing from East Cowes, soon followed by the 11 a.m. return trip from Southampton, both sidelined by issues related to the vessel's forward main engine. As the day progressed, additional sailings were impacted, including the 12:30 p.m. departure from East Cowes and the 2 p.m. service from Southampton, further complicating travel plans for many who were returning home after the extended Bank Holiday weekend—one of the busiest times of the year for cross-Solent transportation. As uncertainty loomed over the duration of the technical difficulties and potential impacts on subsequent sailings, passengers were urged to stay informed by checking for real-time updates before heading to the terminals. The situation remains fluid as Red Funnel works diligently to address the issues with the 'Red Osprey' and restore regular ferry operations.

The body of a man has been pulled from the Solent after being seen from the 'Red Osprey' on Jan 2, 2025, during the 9 a.m. crossing from East Cowes to Southampton on the morning. Passengers spotted the body floating in the water off the coast of Calshot Spit. The 'Red Osprey' turned around until reinforcements arrived, with staff calling the Hampshire and IW Constabulary at around 10.30 a.m.. The ferry had stopped just outside of Hamble. An announcement to the passengers was made over the vessel’s tannoy and they were told to come off the deck and remain inside the vessel. The 'Red Osprey' guarded the scene for a time, before the 'Red Kestrel', Red Funnel’s freight ferry, temporarily took over. The body of the man was brought ashore at Calshot. Enquiries were ongoing. Both vessels moved on shortly afterwards. The discovery has led to knock-on delays of up to 30 minutes on the service. Red Funnel continued to report delays of up to 30 minutes on its services throughout the rest of the day.

There were yet more cancellations on the 'Red Osprey' on Dec 5. The 4.30 p.m., 7.30 p.m. and 10.30 p.m. sailings from Cowes were cancelled as well as the 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. crossing from Southampton. An earlier technical issue on the ferry had caused cancellations on the morning.

A technical issue on the 'Red Osprey' has forced the cancellation of two sailings on the morning of Dec 5. An issue with one of the doors on board was the reason behind the cancellations, with earlier crossings having to leave port up to 40 minutes late as a result. The 09:00 a.m. departure from Southampton and the 10:30a.m. departure from East Cowes have been cancelled.