UPDATED: A Wightlink crew member jumped into the icy cold waters of Portsmouth Harbour late last night (Saturday) to save a man seen in the water.
The incident unfolded shortly after 23:00 when a male was seen in difficulty close to Wightlink’s Portsmouth Gunwharf terminal.
Without hesitation, staff on board Wightlink’s St Clare began a rescue operation with 1 of the crew entering the water to assist the casualty. The man was eventually hauled aboard the company’s launch ‘Albion’.
Portsmouth RNLI lifeboat and Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked to assist and ambulance crews from South Central Ambulance Service were summoned.
Both the casualty and Wightlink crew member were taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital suffering from hypothermia.
The midnight car ferry sailing was delayed as a result of the goings on, but eventually set sail at around 00:30.
UPDATE @ 11:15 – Wightlink’s operations director has this morning praised the efforts of Deck Officer Steve Chamberlain and his colleagues.
It has been confirmed that the crew of St Clare threw a life ring in the direction of the casualty, but he was unable to reach it. In order to save the man from drowning, Steve Chamberlain jumped into the water.
Fellow crew members Paul Cooke, Robbie Mihell and Chris Fremantle onboard the staff launch with its coxswain Peter Simmonds also assisted with the recovery of the man, who was conscious but suffering from the effects of hypothermia.
The cold and shaken casualty was taken to the pontoon in Broad Street, Old Portsmouth where paramedics and police were waiting.
Steve returned to the terminal where ticket office staff had blankets and warm clothing ready. He was also taken to hospital for a check-up but released at 02:00.
Steve lives in Portsmouth and has 20 years’ service with Wightlink and 5 years with the Royal Navy.
He says:
“I just acted instinctively when we saw the man wasn’t able to get into the life ring.
“We carry out emergency drills all the time but it’s different when it’s happening for real. Getting the man to safety was team work and I’m grateful to my fellow crew members for their support.”
Wightlink Operations Director Daryl Palmer adds:
“We are very proud of Steve and his colleagues for acting so promptly. It was a cold winter’s night and I’m sure the man would have died from hypothermia if he had not been spotted by the crew and rescued by Steve.”
