Red Jet passengers witnessed a dramatic rescue after 2 men were found clinging to their overturned vessel in the Solent this evening (Friday).
The incident occurred when the 17:20 Red Jet service from Southampton to Cowes came upon the stricken vessel and the 2 men in the water.
Passengers were asked if there were any medics among them and the RNLI Lifeboat from Cowes was tasked to the incident at around the same time.
Island Echo understands that Red Jet then returned to Southampton with the 2 men where the South Central Ambulance Service was waiting for them.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard has said:
“2 people were rescued when their small boat with an outboard motor started sinking in Southampton Water. The alarm was raised at about 17:35 to a location off Fawley. A nearby vessel picked up the two people from the water.
“The RNLI’s lifeboat from Cowes and the Hillhead Coastguard Rescue Team were sent to support. South Central Ambulance Service was alerted. The damaged vessel is being towed to Southampton.”
Article continues below this advertisement
As a result of the rescue, the 19:05 Red Jet service from Cowes and the 18:30 service from Southampton have been cancelled.
Furthermore, the 18:30 Red Jet crossing from Cowes is delayed by 10-15 minutes.
Well done red jet crew.
Red jet probably packed full of medics. Thank goodness. Well I bet that was an unexpected and exciting detour for the people coming back from work tonight!
I bet they got gharged for a single journey
im shure not as it was a medic issue