Crew on the Red Falcon have been praised today for acting swiftly and safely when a passenger jumped overboard.
A spokesperson from Red Funnel told VB today, “Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries can confirm that at approximately 11:45am, whilst the Red Falcon was making her approach into Cowes, an individual jumped from the main guest outdoor seated area (A Deck) where he was seated with his 3 carers.
“Unfortunately he threw a cigarette butt over the side and then chose to jump in, without warning to his carers. The Ship’s rescue boat and crew were mobilised immediately and successfully rescued the individual.
“We can also confirm that on recovery, the crew members of the Red Falcon’s FRC (Fast Rescue Craft) had to perform life-saving first aid to clear significant water ingested by the casualty who was breathing with difficulty. On handing over to the IW ambulance service the casualty was breathing unassisted and on his feet.”
“As normal in these types of situations we will be conducting a full investigation to see what we can learn, but at this stage it appears the individual’s life was saved by the swift actions, demonstrating the highest levels of skill and training, of the Captain Chris Barron and his crew.
“Red Funnel would like to thank the Isle of Wight emergency services for their support in what was a life-threatening situation.”
Update 15.54: Comment from Red Funnel updated
Image: © Ian Boyle
