RED Funnel has cancelled a number of ferries due to critical crew members being unavailable.

The company has notified passengers today that a number of departures from East Cowes and Southampton will be cancelled on July 14 and 15.

Departures from Southampton at 5am, 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, and 9pm have been cancelled on July 14 and 15.

Departures from East Cowes at 6.30am, 9.30am, 12.30pm, 3.30pm, 6.3pm and 10.30pm have also been cancelled on both days.

The final opportunity to depart the Isle of Wight with a vehicle on Wednesday and Thursday will be 9pm.

All passengers booked on one of the cancelled sailings have been contacted and asked to review the options for an alternative sailing time.

There is no need to pre-book another sailing, but passengers are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled sailing and show their original e-ticket upon arrival.

Fran Collins, Chief Executive of Red Funnel, said: "We would like to address the challenges we are currently facing and update you on what action we are taking to provide our customers and the local community with an efficient and reliable service.

"A number of factors are contributing to current service delays. The increase in popularity of staycations this year has resulted in our service becoming busier than normal, amplified by the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

"Despite higher levels than normal of recruitment, currently 30% of our staff are unable to work, with many team members being contacted by the NHS Track and Trace system or self-isolating.

"Lower numbers of shore side staff can make loading and unloading a slower process. On board our ferries, we are required by law to have a certain number of critical roles to ensure the safety of passengers."