She was built by North West Bay Ships in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[1] After her launch on 20 February 2003 the catamaran was placed aboard a heavy lift ship to be transported to Southampton which arrived on 9 May 2003.[1] She was officially named by Dame Ellen MacArthur on 18 June 2003 and entered service five days later.[1] During those 5 days the ship was used for a number of excursions including following the Round the Island Race.[1]
On 11 November 2008 Red Jet 4 was used on a number of sightseeing trips to view Queen Elizabeth 2 before it left Southampton for the final time.[2]
In March 2024 Red funnel announced that Red Jet 4 had been withdrawn from service stating it was due to declining passenger numbers.[3] In May 2024 Red Jet 4 was sold to the South Korean ferry operator Namhae Express Co.[4] In late May 2024 the ship left Southampton aboard the ship AAL Kobe.[5]
Incidents
On 5 November 2016, while passing Fawley en route to Cowes, Red Jet 4 was in a sidelong collision with a man riding a jet ski. The man was uninjured and was picked up by a companion on another machine. Red Jet 4 circled to make sure the rescue was successful before continuing on its course.[6]
In popular culture
Red Jet 4 is featured in the 2008 video game Ship Simulator 2008 with the MV Red Eagle as a sailable ship, as well as featuring in Ship Simulator Extremes.[7]
References
^ abcdefAdams, Keith (2010). Red Funnel 150 Celebrating One Hundred and Fifty Years of The Original Isle of Wight Ferries. Richard Danielson. p. 69. ISBN9780951315552.
^Adams, Keith (2010). Red Funnel 150 Celebrating One Hundred and Fifty Years of The Original Isle of Wight Ferries. Richard Danielson. p. 51. ISBN9780951315552.
