Wightlink car ferry Victoria of Wight has diverted to assist a RIB in trouble off Ryde Pier this evening (Saturday).
A rescue boat has launched from the car ferry which is situated just 250 yards to the north of Ryde Pier.
1 adult, a teenager and 4 children have in the last few minutes been transferred from the stricken RIB and onto the rescue boat.
The casualties have now been transferred to Ryde Pier, where they have been met by Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team.
All persons appear to be well, albeit cold.
UPDATE @ 20:25 – Gosport Inshore Lifeboat has been launched to recover the RIB, which is now being towed into Ryde Harbour.
All persons are accounted for and are now making their way home.
Island Echo understands the vessel simply broke down but in a panic, the children on board alerted the Coastguard to their plight – prompting the emergency response.
The vessel’s occupants have been given advice by Coastguard Rescue Officers.
UPDATE @ 21:15 – Wightlink has released a statement following this evening’s incident. The cross-Solent operator says:
“This evening, Wightlink’s flagship, Victoria of Wight, assisted with the recovery of passengers from a distressed RIB, not far from Ryde Pier, after a call at 19:20.
“The vessel had become tangled in lobster pots and was drifting.
“Victoria of Wight’s lifeboat was deployed to recover an adult and four children from the RIB, who were taken safely to the care of the Coastguard at Ryde Pier Head.”
Keith Greenfield, Chief Executive of Wightlink, said:
“I am very relieved that all the passengers on the distressed RIB have been recovered uninjured and I’d like to give thanks to Captain Sam Mitchell and the crew of Victoria of Wight for their professionalism and quick reactions.
“The safety of lives is always Wightlink’s top priority and our crews are well trained to deal with emergency situations like this.”
VIDEO by Isle of Wight Webcams.
https://www.facebook.com/wightwebcams/posts/1410400835835110?__cft__[0]=AZU1ayvFOOkCdGOvlW6cV6oK4HXDW4J9UmRCudtgUgu-yJ3tPFOzPrf2VY4u7qJb0G5e_OJljHRdjllm5KAWJdSjbNC68fQoI0-r3X94uR2_0sNBMHthvpxr6t-RvaO2kuGpAaBdt_5uf5kBJ49JCT6rdQrwVVdg947g–wgzKKgSxEu3R00DtgpofTStLyLugI&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
Excellent Seamanship, assisting another craft in distress, Wightlink more than a ferry service!
Name and shame the driver. 1 adult out with a teenager and 4 children. Doesn’t look like they all had there own life jackets on. The water was calm how can you not see lobster pot buoys. How irresponsible. I bet all the people on the ferry were realy happy about the delay.
A big well done to the Red funnel crew.
What’s Red Funnel got to do with it.
If you read the news story properly. It was the
red funnelWIGHTLINK crewNo mention whatsoever of Red Funnel even when reading the article ‘properly’ – Next time just look at the pictures…. ‘WIGHTLINK’ is in really L A R G E capital letters halfway up the port side of the vessel…..
Lol. Whoops Ok so i put Red Funnel not Wightlink sorry.
If it was slack water the pot buiy could have been further away from the pot lines and a lot of pot lines float so at slack water And low tide the lines could have been on top
The lines are very hard to see in any condition
Im out there a lot and see the pot lines all over the place but as im out a lot i know were to look out for them
And yes all should have there life jackets on
Shut up we did have lift jackets on
Read the article…be happy all are saved..and stop moaning. Well done to WIGHTLINK.
Thanks x
I’m one of the children that was on this boat think u should shut up cause it was actually very fun and we are very thank full for my dad ( the driver )so u should shut ur mouth cause it wasn’t just the lobster pots
Well i hope you had fun as all the people on the ferry were delayed.
You spoilt little child. Not a word of thanks to the crew of the ferry just a thanks to your dad.
I was thanking the ferry at the time of the time of the rescue ur acc arguing with a little child go get a life u sado and Yh I am spoilt do I care no
Well done WightLink & all concerned in these difficult times… – Just goes to show ALL LIVES MATTER…!!, regardless of colour, creed or seamanship ability…..