It’s emerged today that Red Jet 5, one of Red Funnel’s hi-speed craft that normally services the Isle of Wight / Southampton route, has been transferred up to the River Thames in London for the Olympics.
The company say that they expect it to return in about a week and half.
Following a question from a Twitter user, James Fulford, boss of Red Funnel replied, “We have made the very tricky decision to allow RJ5 to be used on the Thames for the Olympic period – due back Tues week.”
The business reasoning
He went on to explain the thinking behind the decisions, “3 reasons for RJ5 to Thames- a) very strong demand from LOCOG b) Red Jets not making a good return, our duty is to use our assets effect in order to keep prices to you regulars as low as poss.”
Pre-empting concerns Islanders might have on hearing the news he said, “Clearly if we get this wrong (ie a breakdown here) then we will deserve criticism. If we get it right (ie are lucky to have no breakdowns), it will be good viz for RF brand, (& for the IW) and good for keeping fares down.”
Update 12:03
Captain Stan from the Bembridge Fish Store sent us a photo of RedJet 5 heading off for London that he snapped at 7:37am yesterday morning, just as it was passing No Man’s Fort. Thought you might like to see it too.
Image: ronsaunders47 under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license
