A medical emergency on board Red Funnel’s Red Osprey is causing delays on the operator’s East Cowes-Southampton route tonight (Saturday).
The car ferry has docked at the East Cowes terminal and paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service have boarded the vessel.
An Ambulance, a rapid response paramedic and Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team are on scene.
Red Falcon, which left Southampton as the 19:00 sailing, is currently having to stand by off Cowes Parade as it is unable to dock.
UPDATE @ 20:40 – The patient has been transferred into the awaiting ambulance and rushed to St Mary’s Hospital under blue lights, bringing the incident to a close.
Red Osprey is now preparing to depart for Southampton, allowing Red Falcon to dock.
Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team were also mobilised to the ferry terminal at Dover Road, but were stood down.
UPDATE @ 21:45 – Island Echo has heard from passengers on board the ferry that a male suffered a cardiac arrest.
Coastguard and paramedics stretchered the individual off the boat for onward conveyance to hospital. Although an air ambulance had been requested, it was unavailable.
Had the passengers aboard the ferry hold any medical training to be able to diagnose a cardiac arrest?
What a stupid comment when someones life is in the balance
Fact – a call out for medically trained personnel to attend was broadcast over the PA. Red Funnel staff, Passengers and the emergency services attended to the casualty.
most if not all ferry staff are trained first aiders, some medical situations need more than a first aid kit carries.
Why bother even saying that for goodness sake.
If you wish to be pc about it are you a member of the CCG or CQC Tracy?!!
Two medical passengers and a policeman – Red Funnel First Aiders, good enough ?
Why was an air ambulance unavailable, this is how deaths will happen on the isles of Wight
Ever thought the Hampshire and IOW air ambulance may have been on another emergency in the several hundred square miles it covers?
Almost certainly the Air Ambulance was attending elsewhere, not on a tea break !