Search and rescue teams have been involved in the hunt for a missing passenger on Wightlink’s Fishbourne to Portsmouth ferry route this morning (Friday).
A large scale search was launched shortly before 02:00 when concerns were raised that the man got on the Victoria of Wight ferry at Portsmouth but didn’t disembark at Fishbourne.
Fearing an overboard situation, Ryde Inshore Rescue’s 2 lifeboats were launched by Solent Coastguard and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bembridge and Ventnor were tasked to the Fishbourne terminal.
Thankfully, the unaccounted for passenger was soon located by Police at his home on the Island. Instead of using the taxi he had booked – which is what initially prompted the search – he made his own way home.
The early hours shout marks the first night time action for Ryde Rescue’s brand new lifeboat, which is equipped with a thermal imaging camera designed specifically for this type of scenario.
