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21st Oct 2018

Ferry collides with ‘several yachts’ on the Isle of Wight

Wil Jones

The RNLI launched a search operation following the incident, but later confirmed that no one was missing

A ferry has collided with two yachts, approximately 50 metres off the shore on the Isle of Wight.

The Red Funnel ferry ran aground in heavy fog near the town of East Cowes on the island.

According to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a member of the public called 999 after hearing calls for help.

Video of the aftermath has been circulated on social media.

https://twitter.com/madelinep/status/1053947139473186816

A helicopter was deployed to search for anyone stuck in the water, but had to turn back due to low visibility.

The coastguard then confirmed that “nobody was in the water or missing”.

It was also confirmed that all 56 people on the ferry were safe, and it had now returned to the ferry terminal.

“Cowes harbour has reopened so the Southampton-West Cowes Red Jet service has now resumed,” Red Funnel said in a statement. “Foot passengers are advised to use this service.”

Red Funnel are the ferry company that operates vehicle ferry services from Southampton to East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, along with foot passenger catamarans to Cowes.