A maritime training company on the Isle of Wight has come under fire for reportedly taking customers' money, before revealing it's actually 'closed' and to 'contact the insolvency firm'.
Red Ensign Training insists it is not in liquidation, and is just 'exploring options'.
It has told Isle of Wight Radio that it's 'very mindful' that individuals have paid for courses and it is 'keeping their interests at the forefront of ongoing discussions.'
It comes after a number of people claimed they had made payments to the firm in order to take part in one of its courses.
One person told Isle of Wight Radio:
"My son booked 2 courses with the above Company on the 28/8/20, and paid in full. On 2/9/20 he received an email saying the Company has closed and he would have to try and claim his money back from insolvency firm.
"Surely they should not have been advertising courses, under the RYA flag, and accepting payment 4 days before this happened.
My son and his friend worked hard all summer to afford this course, £1000 +++."
They say they have contacted Red Ensign on numerous occasions but the company has yet to respond to their queries.
Customers are still able to enquire about bookings on the website.
A spokesperson for the company told Isle of Wight Radio:
"...at this time we state that the company has not gone into liquidation.
"As is the case with many businesses the impact of Covid-19 has been significant. The cruise industry in particular has stalled (the company’s biggest clients) so this has resulted in a significant loss of income. The directors are actively exploring various options and will issue another statement in due course about the future of the company.
"The directors are very mindful that individuals have paid for courses and are keeping their interests at the forefront of ongoing discussions."
Isle of Wight Radio has contacted the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Seafish Industry Authority and Royal Yachting Association (RYA), who accredit the company's courses, for a comment.
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