AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a Red Funnel vehicle ferry crashed into yachts, leaving passengers stranded on board for hours.

The Red Falcon, which had left Southampton for East Cowes at 7am yesterday morning, ran aground following the collision.

The authorities said that they had received reports that cries for help were heard within Cowes Harbour by people from nearby boats.

The boat was finally refloated five hours later, with all 56 people on board the boat said to be safe and well.

 

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “[We] can confirm that there is nobody in the water or missing in Cowes Harbour.

“HM Coastguard has made contact with the person who was initially heard crying for help and he is reported to be safe and well.

“We have established that the person was onboard his own vessel and crying out to try and alert the master of the ferry of the situation.”

It was the second time within a month that a Red Funnel ferry has crashed into another vessel.

 

In September, a similar investigation was launched after Red Eagle ploughed through moorings in Cowes Harbour, cutting several boats adrift into the Solent, and damaging a signpost.

A 30ft catamaran, belonging to an Isle of Wight vicar, was also pushed from its moorings and into another vessel.

Following Sunday's incident Fran Collins, Red Funnel’s chief executive officer, said the Red Falcon had travelled in dense fog before smashing into the yachts.

She said: “This ship will now be subject to a detailed inspection and is not expected to return to service today.

“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.”

Services were suspended on Red Funnel’s vehicle ferries for most of the day, but its Red Jet passengers craft continued out of West Cowes.

 

As the drama unfolded yesterday, onlookers packed out the Esplanade close to the ferry dock.

A witness waiting to board the Red Falcon at East Cowes said the car ferry hit the yachts coming in to East Cowes and was unable to berth.

She said: “We were told that the ferry had run aground and the crew were waiting for a tug from Southampton.”

A helicopter was deployed to search the water to ensure nobody was in the water, with lifeboat crews also on hand to help the operation.