A FERRY was rescued after it lost all power in the Solent today.

The Brittany Ferries Mont Saint Michel was en route to Ouistreham when power failed about one mile north of Nab Tower in the outer approaches to the Solent in the early hours of the morning.

Two Serco tugs arrived on the scene shortly after 2am and towed the vessel to a safe anchorage by around 4am, when they were joined by a third tug.

By 5am the Mont Saint Michel regained full power and resumed its journey to Ouistreham.

Duncan Foster, Serco’s contract manager for marine services said: ”We had the call early this morning and some of the crews were on their way home from their last job, but returned immediately and put to sea.

“This was a tremendous effort by the crews of the three tugs and pilot boat. These vessels are predominantly designed for harbour operation and they were working in open waters, at night, in challenging weather conditions, right on the edge of their safe capabilities.”

He added: “They should be proud of what they have achieved. I am immensely proud of them and am in doubt that their actions prevented a serious incident.”