Passenger jumps from Red Funnel ferry on Isle of Wight

4:58pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Dan Kerins, Digital Editor

Red Falcon Red Falcon

A PASSENGER jumped from the deck of a ferry as it was docking this morning.

The incident happened on the Red Falcon, operated by Red Funnel, as it docked in Cowes at 11.45am following a sailing from Southampton.

The man threw a cigarette butt over the side of the vessel and then jumped in.

The ship’s rescue boat and crew managed to pull the man from the water and gave him life saving first-aid.

The passenger was travelling with his three carers but was able to jump overboard before they could react.

In a statement, Red Funnel said it would be conducting a full investigation, although the swift actions of the crew and staff apparently saved the passenger's life.

The firm added it "would like to thank the Isle of Wight emergency services for their support in what was a life-threatening situation."

Comments(7)

jim_s1s says...
9:45pm Thu 24 May 12

Probably didn't have a passport for Isle Of Wight.

Report this post »

BenjiWinsor says...
11:40pm Thu 24 May 12

As this passenger had 3 carers, he obviously has either learning, physical or mental health difficulties of a severe nature. I probably wouldn't joke about the near tragedy here. I guess a review will ask how the 3 carers were not enough to prevent this person jumping but I'd like to say a huge well done for the crew here in their actions in saving a life.

Report this post »

Verloren Hoop says...
4:20am Fri 25 May 12

Got to agree with BenjiWinsor. What were the carers doing? Anyone know?

Report this post »

rudolph_hucker says...
9:43am Fri 25 May 12

Verloren Hoop wrote:
Got to agree with BenjiWinsor. What were the carers doing? Anyone know?
Probably smoking fags as well

Report this post »

Beer Monster says...
11:41am Fri 25 May 12

Christ, poor bu99er, well done to the crew and emergency services for averting an unnecessary tragedy.

Report this post »

BillyTheKid says...
12:21pm Fri 25 May 12

Unless the man had a history of extreme, unpredictable behaviour, then the care workers would not have been anticipating it. This will probably get them off any accusations of negligence. But I can't help feeling that common sense would have made most of us more vigilant while in charge of a vulnerable adult, just to be on the safe side.

Report this post »

winkle picker says...
11:08am Mon 28 May 12

The man does have a history of mental illness & unpredictable behaviour so he should never have been allowed to find himself in that position. He was taken back into care earlier in the year after an incident. I understand that he was on his way to court when this happened which explains why he was on the ferry. He is from Cowes.

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree