Ferries disrupted as many staff are 'pinged' by test and trace
Passengers booked on cancelled Red Funnel sailings have been contacted
Isle of Wight ferry services are being disrupted with almost a third of staff off work at one company.
Red Funnel said many of its workers are self isolating having been contacted by the coronavirus test and trace system.
Twelve car ferry sailings between Southampton and East Cowes have been cancelled on Wednesday and Thursday.
Due to critical crew members being unavailable, Red Funnel has notified passengers that the following scheduled departures will be cancelled.
Wednesday 14th July and Thursday 15th July, departures from Southampton:
o 05:00
o 08:00
o 11:00
o 14:00
o 17:00
o 21:00
Wednesday 14th July and Thursday 15th July, departures from East Cowes:
o 06:30
o 09:30
o 12:30
o 15:30
o 18:30
o 22:30
The final opportunity to depart the Isle of Wight with a vehicle on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th July will be 21:00.
Fran Collins, chief executive of Red Funnel, said: "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 Test 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.
"There is also a minimum staff to passenger ratio required by law, meaning if we are unable to fully staff a sailing, we are unable to accept the maximum number of passengers on board."
For more information, visit Red Funnel's website