A FERRY company at the centre of a crash probe has responded to an MP after he raised concerns about cross-Solent travel.

Red Funnel was one of three firms to receive a letter from Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely, asking them to explain recent to disruption to services.

Mr Seely also wrote to Wightlink and Hovertravel following various problems including technical and mechanical faults and legal issues across the three firms.

He also raised concerns after two crashes involving Red Funnel ferries - including one which caused a yacht to sink into the Solent.

In reply, both Wightlink and Hovertravel apologised to passengers for disruption but stood by their claim that their services were reliable.

Wightlink apologised for the administration error over the certification of St Clare, which meant the ferry had to be removed from service.

Red Funnel confirmed that the accidents involving its vessels were being 'comprehensively investigated' but said it had experienced far less disruption than other operators.

The company added it was committed to operating a safe and reliable service.

Mr Seely said: "I am pleased that all the operators are taking their responsibility for these incidents seriously and that they understand passengers’ frustrations and anger over what has happened over the last few months.

"I have noted what all three companies have said but I will continue to monitor their performance."

It comes following a crash involving Red Funnel's Red Falcon service, between Southampton and East Cowes, in October.

The crash resulted in the sinking of a yacht, while the Red Falcon had to be re-floated, after it ran aground near Cowes Harbour.

The Red Falcon had left Southampton for East Cowes at 7am when it was involved in the collision.

The authorities said that they had received reports that cries for help were heard within Cowes Harbour by people from nearby boats.

The boat was finally refloated five hours later, with all 56 people on board the boat said to be safe and well.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard later confirmed that there was no-one in the water.

The agency also announced they would investigate the incident, while Red Funnell suspended two of its crew - which the company said was normal procedure.

In September, a similar investigation was launched after Red Eagle ploughed through moorings in Cowes Harbour, cutting several boats adrift into the Solent, and damaging a signpost.

A 30ft catamaran, belonging to an Isle of Wight vicar, was also pushed from its moorings and into another vessel.