Emergency services were called to the dockside in Southampton this morning (Friday) when a Red Funnel staff member had an accident and broke their leg, subsequently dropping a mooring line into the water which was then sucked into Red Eagle’s propellers.
As first reported by Island Echo, Red Funnel cancelled a number of vehicle ferry sailings on its East Cowes-Southampton service earlier today due to an issue with a propeller on Red Eagle.
It can now be revealed that the issue has been caused by a rope becoming entangled in the vessel’s prop.
Island Echo understands that a crew member dropped the mooring line into the water after suffering an accident, which has resulted in them being taken to hospital.
A Red Funnel spokesperson has said:
“We experienced disruption to our vehicle service timetable today.
“During mooring operations on the Red Eagle, a colleague suffered injuries and the emergency services were called to assist.
“The safety of our team members and passengers is our number one priority and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to carry out a full investigation. As part of this, investigations to the vessel are underway and specialist engineers will be making inspections throughout the morning.”
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It’s understood that divers have been sent down to remove the rope from around the prop, with hopes of Red Eagle being able to re-enter service this afternoon.
UPDATE @ 13:37 – Island Echo understands that the crew member has escaped any serious injury and, after further assessment at Southampton General Hospital, it has been determined that he has not broken his leg.
In an update statement, a spokesperson for Red Funnel has said:
“Sea trials are underway and unfortunately the 13:00 service from Southampton was cancelled and the 14:30 service from East Cowes has been cancelled to allow for further tests to the engine. We will provide a further update as soon as possible.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and have contacted all affected customers who have been moved to an alternative sailing.”
I hope that ‘THE COLLEAGUE’ is up and about soon.
Ouch! Not nice .I hope its a speedy recovery!
Let’s hope the break is not to severe and they are soon back to work
Since the ferries have Voith-Schneiders that must have taken some doing.
Red Funnel did very well organising the ferries this morning at very short notice. Despite being warned of 60minute delays, we were only 12 minutes late.