Isle of Wight ferry horror: 'Extensive search' underway as man falls overboard
THE Coastguard has launched a rescue bid for a man who fell overboard while travelling on a passenger ferry from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight.
Isle of Wight: Coastguards search for man who fell off ferry
Two lifeboats and a search helicopter have been dispatched to find the man, who fell from the boat near Portsmouth Harbour.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said an "extensive search" was underway after a Mayday call was put out this morning.
Ferry operators Wightlink said the "passenger was seen to jump overboard" soon after the car ferry left Portsmouth.
The MCA said: "HM Coastguard is coordinating a search and rescue mission after reports of a man overboard off a vessel near Portsmouth Harbour.
The Mayday call came in around 10.50am today
"The Mayday call came in around 10.50am today and an extensive search is being carried out of the area.
"Two RNLI lifeboats from Portsmouth, the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent, Hillhead and Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Teams are all involved.
"Also assisting are harbour patrol vessels and a Royal Navy vessel.
"HM Coastguard has also broadcast a relay to vessels in the area requesting they respond and assist with the search."
And a spokesman for Wightlink Ferries said passengers remain on the ferry while the Coastguard tries to find the man.
He said: "On the 10:30am St Cecilia car ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne a passenger was seen to jump overboard, just outside Portsmouth Harbour.
"The crew of St Cecilia deployed the ship's rescue boat and the Coastguard is now the lead authority on this matter, with a number of vessels assisting in the search.
"St Cecilia is still in the area of the incident while authorities are trying to recover the person, with customers on board."
For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.