Red Funnel suspended its Isle of Wight ferry service earlier, between East Cowes and Southampton and is now running a one-boat service.

UPDATE: Isle of Wight ferry Saturday afternoon Red Funnel update

Scroll down for the latest statement...

As previously reported by the Isle of Wight County Press, Red Osprey developed an engine fault this morning and had to be moved from its Southampton berth by tug.

Passengers on the 7.30am Red Eagle sailing left East Cowes just after 9am, while the scheduled 9am sailing was cancelled.

Isle of Wight County Press: Red Osprey in Southampton today (Saturday).Red Osprey in Southampton today (Saturday). (Image: Contributed.)

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Red Funnel says the problems lay in Red Osprey's Forward Voith Filter Unit.

For a time, it suspended sailings on the route 'until further notice' but that message has changed to warning passengers to expect severe delays and one boat service.

The operator's third ferry is already out for maintenance, and is in Falmouth.

Meanwhile, 'due to limited crew' the 4.30am and 7.30pm from Southampton and the 6am and 9pm from East Cowes have been cancelled today, tomorrow and Monday.

Red Funnel said: "Due to the withdrawal of the Red Osprey, we are now operating a one boat service with severe delays for all booked vehicle traffic of up to 3 hours.

"We do apologise for any inconvenience caused."