All emergency crews involved in the search for a man who reportedly jumped from a Wightlink ferry this morning have been stood down.
RNLI crews from Bembridge and Portsmouth, HM Coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent, Hillhead and Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Teams as well as others searched for several hours after the mayday call of man overboard was made at 10.50am (Wednesday).
MCA: Case “handed over to the police”
A spokesperson for the MCA said,
“An extensive search has been carried out of the area around Portsmouth Harbour following reports of a man overboard from a ferry.
“Despite a thorough and comprehensive search by two RNLI lifeboats from Portsmouth, HM Coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent, Hillhead and Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Teams and other vessels in the area, nothing has been found.
“The search has now been suspended, pending further information. It is now a missing person enquiry and will be handed over to the police.”
Vessels in the area have been asked by the MCA to keep a ‘sharp lookout’ for the man one nautical mile south of Portsmouth, who was reported to be wearing blue clothing.
Wightlink staff saddened
A spokesperson for Wightlink told OnTheWight,
“Wightlink staff have been saddened to learn the search for a man who jumped from the Portsmouth to Fishbourne car ferry St Cecilia this morning as it left Portsmouth Harbour has been suspended, pending further information.
“Passengers on board the 10:30 sailing to Fishbourne, who witnessed the incident, alerted the crew. The Captain of St Cecilia immediately launched the ship’s rescue boat. Several other vessels joined the search.”
Article edit
16.20: Comment from Wightlink added
Image: © Hants Marine Police
