Isle of Wight ferry operator, Red Funnel, says Red Falcon's engine problems mean more cancellations, over Christmas week.

Passengers travelling on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are unaffected and the Red Jets are also running to schedule, between Cowes and Southampton. 

However, tomorrow (Saturday, December 23) and on Wednesday (December 27), an amended vehicle ferry timetable will operate between East Cowes and Southampton. 

The firm says Red Falcon is out of service for 'repair works alongside other essential maintenance'.

Red Kestrel, the operator's freight-only vessel, is being used instead, to help ease demand. The problem is, it cannot take non-freight passengers. 

The cancelled sailings are:

Friday 22 December:  From Southampton at 14:15 and 17:15 and from East Cowes at 15:45 and 18:45

Saturday 23 December: From Southampton at 14:15 and 17:15 and from East Cowes at 15:45 and 18:45

Wednesday 27 December: From Southampton at 05:15 and 17:15 and from East Cowes at 06:45 and 18:45

Booked-in customers are being offered new crossing times.

The operator also says it expects December 27 to be busy and is giving 'arrival time advice'. 

Leanna Lakes, Operations Director at Red Funnel, said: "We apologise for the changes to our timetable as we complete essential maintenance.

"We understand how important travel is over the holidays and thank our customers for their patience and understanding."