Cross-Solent services are suspended or facing disruption this morning as heavy rain and gusty winds continue to batter the Isle of Wight.

Red Funnel has unveiled its Island Ambassadors for 2026, celebrating a wide range of Isle of Wight talent across music, sport and community life.

Red Funnel is launching 2026 with its biggest-ever ticket giveaway, offering 5,000 free day-return foot passenger tickets exclusively for Isle of Wight residents.

Friends of the Animals was selected following dozens of nominations from Islanders.

Over the past 12 months, more than £70,000 in travel support has been provided through 43 sponsorships.

Fran Collins said the session was “all about listening and discussing,” adding that feedback from trade and freight users is vital to shaping future improvements.

Red Funnel and new owners Njord Partners say they will work closely with customers, Island residents, staff and local stakeholders to deliver long-term improvements.

Plans to redevelop Red Funnel’s East Cowes port have been approved by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee.

The plans, which cover three key sites, aim to modernise the waterfront, ease congestion in East Cowes and significantly improve the passenger experience.

Red Funnel has cancelled several vehicle ferry sailings this morning.

Northwood House played host to a night of celebration yesterday as the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards returned for their sixth year.

The company says it supports efforts by the Island’s MPs to establish a statutory framework to oversee lifeline ferry services in the public interest.

Red Funnel is offering free foot passenger ferry travel for all past and present members of the UK Armed Forces.

The initiative forms part of Red Funnel’s Changing Tides strategy, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting the local community.

Running from Tuesday 4 November to Thursday 26 March, the timetable will see Red Funnel revert to a two-boat service across the Solent.

Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel has raised more than £30,000 so far this year for its 2025 Charity of the Year, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Those selected will receive travel support for a year, helping individuals or teams showcase their skills regionally and nationally.

Island ferry operator Red Funnel has been sold to investment company Njord Partners, marking what bosses are calling an “exciting new chapter” for the 164-year-old service.

Vectis Ferries Limited says its 10-week bid to buy Red Funnel has been sidelined in favour of a higher offer from another bidder, believed to be a private equity group.

Travel chaos has gripped East Cowes after a lorry crash on the vehicle deck of a Red Funnel ferry forced the company to cancel sailings until further notice.