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."