A medical emergency onboard the Red Funnel vehicle ferry has sparked delays of around 2 hours this afternoon (Friday), with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance landing at the Southampton terminal to assist.
Island Echo understands that the vehicle ferry had departed Southampton for East Cowes shortly before 15:00, but was forced to turn around and return to its berth after a passenger suffered a medical emergency.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, as well as an on-land unit, touched down in the vehicle lanes at Red Funnel’s Southampton terminal at around 16:00, where specialist medics joined other emergency services already in attendance.
Following treatment onboard, the casualty was handed into the care of waiting paramedics before the ferry was eventually cleared to resume its journey to the Isle of Wight. The vessel is now on its way to East Cowes, around 2 hours behind schedule.
Red Funnel has confirmed that its vehicle ferry service is currently experiencing significant delays as a result of the ongoing incident.
A statement published on their website says:
“Due to an ongoing onboard medical incident, our vehicle ferry service is currently experiencing significant delays.
“Further updates will be provided.
Article continues below this advertisement “Thank you for your understanding, and we apologise for any inconvenience.”
The operator has confirmed that its Red Jet passenger service between Southampton and West Cowes continues to run to timetable.
The nature of the medical emergency has not been disclosed.
