Our sympathies go to the friends and family of the man who was found. This in from the Police (connected to the harbour search yesterday), in their own words – Ed.
Police investigating the circumstances around a man coming off a Wightlink ferry into the sea between the Square and the Round Towers in Portsmouth Harbour, have found a body.
The body was discovered by a dog walker on Hayling Beach at around 14.45pm.
Police are now working to identify the man and the circumstances surrounding his death.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.
Police appeal
Earlier today, the police released this appeal with additional background to the incident, in their words. Can you help? – Ed
Police are appealing for information after a person came off the Wight Link ferry and fell into Portsmouth Harbour.
At approximately 6.40pm on Sunday, October 16 a number of witnesses reported seeing someone in the water in Portsmouth Harbour.
Was onboard 6pm Fishbourne Wightlink ferry
Investigations have revealed that the person came off the inbound Wight Link ferry, the Saint Clair, between the Square and the Round Towers. The ferry was travelling into Portsmouth from Fishbourne.
A search was coordinated by the Coast Guard, supported by the RNLI and Hampshire Constabulary. However, at this stage the person has not been located.
Detective Constable Allison Fraser, said: “Our investigations have revealed that at the time the person came off the ferry, there was a young couple on the Hot Walls with a video camera. We are extremely keen to get in touch with this couple as they may have seen and filmed what happened.
“We would also like to speak to any foot passengers who travelled to the island on the 5pm sailing from Portsmouth to Fishbourne and any foot passengers on the return journey at 6pm from Fishbourne.
Witnesses?
“We are keen to speak to anyone else who witnessed what happened from the shore or from the ferry.”
Any further witnesses are asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101.
