A young child heading across the Solent with his mum for hospital treatment fell in between the gangway and a Red Jet vessel at Red Funnel’s West Cowes terminal this morning (Friday).
The youngster escaped with minor scratches when he fell whilst boarding the 11:30 crossing from West Cowes to Southampton, landing on tyre fenders.
Members of the public and a Red Funnel crew member rushed to the passenger’s aid and quickly reunited him with his mum. First aid was given, but emergency services were not required.
Island Echo is told that the young boy was heading to hospital for specialist treatment.
Red Funnel has launched an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson for the cross-Solent operator has said:
“We are aware of an incident in West Cowes earlier today, in which a child took a fall between the gangway rail and vessel while boarding the Red Jet.
“He landed on top of the fender and was quickly retrieved by other passengers and the cabin attendant who had been helping a disabled passenger.
“He was returned to his mother in a matter of seconds and suffered minor scratches but was seen to with the appropriate first aid support and assistance.
Article continues below this advertisement “Safety is always our top priority, and we are investigating today’s incident and ensuring the appropriate action is taken including reaching the boy’s mother to check in on how he is doing.”
I hope the child is ok. The way this article is worded it shows that red funnel are to blame but where was mum why wasn’t she keeping a eye out on her child red funnel can’t be fully to blame
Was the child not been held by the mother?
Was the mum not holding his hand and supervising him ??
Sorry but you can’t blame Red Funnel for that.
It’s an accident Why start pointing fingers at the mother I expect she feels bad enough Maybe worried as the article points out the child was going to Southampton for hospital treatment I know when I take my son for appointments in Southampton it’s a hole lot of worry How to get to hospital Not as easy as ppl think As the island hospital don’t do much for kids