incident in the area area during thick fog, when the Red Eagle ploughed through moorings.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said:
Just after 8am today (Sunday 21 October) HM Coastguard received reports that the Red Falcon Ferry had collided with at least two yachts whilst trying to berth at the entrance of Cowes Harbour during heavy fog.
At around the same time we received a 999 call from a member of the public reporting that he’d heard cries for help within Cowes Harbour.
We are currently carrying at an extensive search of the area with Cowes RNLI lifeboat, Calshot RNLI lifeboats and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bembridge, Needles and Ventnor. A Coastguard search and rescue helicopter was searching the area but due to the low visibility in the area had to turn back.
The ferry with 56 persons onboard remains grounded at the entrance at Cowes. Those persons onboard are safe and well.
Red Funnel suspended their vehicle ferry service as well as the Red Jet service due to the harbour being closed.
They have been tweeting updates.
The latest reads:
Red Jet suspended until further notice due to the Harbour in Cowes being closed due to safety reasons. Our next update will be at 13:00.
A spokesperson for Red Funnel confirmed
“The 07.00 vehicle ferry sailing from Southampton to East Cowes came into contact with several small yachts whilst entering Cowes Harbour at 08.00 this morning (21/10/18) in dense fog, The ship (Red Falcon) is currently aground but is watertight and no injuries have been sustained to any of the 40 passengers on-board.
“There are no reports of any injuries to anyone who was involved in the incident.
“Attempts to refloat the vessel are currently underway on a falling tide. If this proves unsuccessful, a further attempt will be made at the next High Tide.
“Cowes Harbour is currently closed to all traffic.”
Update: 13.20
Fran Collins, Red Funnel’s CEO, said
“Red Falcon, the ferry involved in the grounding incident in East Cowes this morning in dense fog has now been refloated and is safely alongside.
“Passengers and vehicles are currently being discharged at East Cowes. This ship will now be subject to a detailed inspection and is not expected to return to service today. A revised vehicle ferry timetable will operate between Southampton and East Cowes. Our staff are contacting customers booked to travel today to offer them alternative sailings.
“On behalf of Red Funnel, I would like to apologise to all passengers who have been disrupted by this incident, and emphasise that we give the safety of our passengers and crew the highest priority.”
Red Funnel’s Southampton-West Cowes Red Jet service is unaffected and foot passengers who normally travel via East Cowes are advised to use this service.
Image: Copyright Rakina Wadey
