Passenger ferry crashes into two yachts - 'cries for help' as rescuers search water

The incident happened as the Red Falcon ferry was attempting to berth at the entrance to the harbour, according to the coastguard, which received a 999 call from a man reporting that he had heard cries for help from the scene.

All 56 people on board the ferry, which is operated by Red Funnel on the company’s route from Southampton to East Cowes, were safe and well. It remained grounded at the entrance to the harbour on Sunday morning and tugs were in attendance.

Three lifeboats were launched to search for people in the water after the reported collision at around 8am. A coastguard search and rescue helicopter had been searching the area but had to turn back because of low visibility.

A spokesman for the ferry company said: “The 0700 vehicle ferry sailing from Southampton to East Cowes came into contact with several small yachts whilst entering Cowes harbour at 0800 this morning in dense fog.

“The ship is currently aground but is watertight and no injuries have been sustained to any of the 40 passengers on board.”

The company said there were no reports of any injuries to anyone involved in the incident.

“Attempts to refloat the vessel are currently under way on a falling tide. If this proves unsuccessful, a further attempt will be made at the next high tide,” it said. “Cowes harbour has now reopened and Red Funnel’s Red Jet Southampton-West Cowes service will resume shortly.”

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency later said in a tweet: "HM Coastguard can confirm that nobody is in the water or missing in Cowes Harbour.

"We made contact with the person who was heard crying for help and he is safe and well.

"He was on board his own vessel and calling out to try and alert the master of the ferry #allsafe."