UPDATED: A rescue operation has retrieved a man from Southampton Water after he went overboard on the Red Funnel car ferry this evening (Friday).
According to those on board, the gentleman went over the side of the company’s Red Eagle vessel as it was travelling between East Cowes and Southampton.
An on-board rescue boat was swiftly launched by the crew, who were quickly alongside the casualty.
Calshot RNLI were tasked to launch at 19:35.
The man has been rescued from the water and an ambulance crew from the South Central Ambulance Service have arrived at the dockside in Southampton.
The car ferry crossing has been delayed by 30 minutes.
UPDATE @ 21:50 – In a statement issued tonight, operator Red Funnel have confirm that there was a man overboard incident from the Red Eagle operating the 18:30 departure from East Cowes to Southampton service tonight.
A spokesperson has said:
“The incident, which involved a passenger, occurred at approximately 19:35 near Southampton Dock Head. The crew were alerted by passengers and immediately executed their man overboard procedure.
“Red Funnel vessel Red Jet 4 and the Hythe Ferry were also in the vicinity and assisted in the rescue. The Red Eagle’s rescue boat was launched and recovered the person from the water, prior to them being passed to the Southampton Harbour Master’s Launch”.
