MORE THAN 100 Red Funnel passengers were stuck overnight on the car ferry in Southampton last night, with the boat unable to set off due to adverse weather conditions.

Storm Dennis ensured that the seas were too choppy for the boat to disembark from its Southampton base, as passengers were taken onboard and looked after by Red Funnel staff for more than 14 hours.

Southampton to East Cowes sailings from 7.30pm onwards were affected, with those on board finally able to begin the journey across the Solent at 9.15am today.

Karen Chapman Green, one of the passengers affected, said: "We arrived at the car ferry terminal at around 7pm, and were concerned due to how cold it was in the waiting room.

"The captain made the decision to let everyone on board. which was hugely appreciated, as we were able to get warm and comfortable.

"They turned the lights down at around 11pm and people were sleeping anywhere they could rest their heads. Every couple of hours a crew member came round and told us hot drinks were available.

"At 7am we were given a free breakfast and more hot drinks. The crew were all amazing given the situation, I even managed to borrow a phone charger to keep people up-to-date with our situation.

"I was with my 81 year old mum, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure she was comfortable."

Fellow passenger Tamara Gaskin said: "I went on at 8pm, and was able to get food. Staff put the heating up, the lights down, and nothing was too much trouble.

"A lady called Claire looked after us all night, she was absolutely great at keeping us updated and checking on everyone, while remaining friendly and smiling — nothing was too much trouble."

The passengers arrived back in East Cowes shortly after 10am this morning.