AFTER two months of cross-Solent delays, breakdowns and failings, the Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has written to the three firms for answers.

In a letter to Fran Collins, chief executive of Red Funnel, Keith Greenfield, chief executive of Wightlink, and Neil Chapman, chief executive of Hovertravel, Mr Seely wrote: "I am asking you individually to explain — to Islanders — your companies' respective performances since the summer."

Earlier this month, two crew members were suspended after the Red Falcon ran aground after leaving Southampton and crashing into two yachts.

In the letter, Mr Seely lists more than 40 incidents since August 26 that have limited cross-Solent services.

Mr Seely said: "Many Islanders are concerned by your ability to get people and vehicles to and from the Island without delays or cancellations.

"I should not need to state the need for a reliable service for Islanders, regardless of whether they are going to the mainland for medical, business or other reasons.

"An unreliable service damages the Island and harms Islanders. Delays have knock-on effects for those using other forms of public transport."

Mr Seely said he was particularly keen for the chief executives to explain whether the current levels of technical or mechanical faults are acceptable, and what steps they intend to take to ensure they run the service they advertise.

He also said he wanted specific answers from Red Funnel about the increase in accidents, from Wightlink regarding the lack of certification and from Hovertravel, clearer information regarding issues with one of their crafts.

Mr Seely concluded: "This letter does not cast doubt on the efforts of those who work for you, and indeed it is wrong when they are verbally abused or criticised simply because they are the public face of your companies.

"However, can you understand the frustration of Islanders at the current state of affairs?"

A spokesperson for Wightlink said they had written to Mr Seely and declined to comment.

Red Funnel told the Echo: "Fran Collins has received the letter from Bob Seely MP and will be replying directly to the island's MP."

Hovertravel did not reply to our request for a comment.