AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a crash involving a car ferry in the Solent.

A Red Funnel 'Red Eagle' is reported to have 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 a small Daring boat.

The incident happened around 5.30am.

Calshot Atlantic lifeboat and Cowes RNLI lifeboat launched a search for the vessels in fog - which reduced visibility to less than 50 metres.

Two boats were recovered just outside Cowes Harbour, one by a Cowes Harbour Launch and another by a lifeboat.

A spokesperson for the RNLI said: "Cowes lifeboat spent two hours searching in thick fog this morning for yachts that had been torn from their moorings by an outgoing car ferry.

"It was apparent that the ship had ploughed through the moorings of a catamaran and several Daring Class yachts, sending several of the Darings adrift.

"Two were recovered just outside the harbour, one by a Cowes Harbour launch and the other by the lifeboat.

"The lifeboat also went on to find that a 30-foot catamaran had been pushed from its mooring on to another Daring, which ended up hard against the catamaran’s stern.

"The catamaran is owned by the Vicar of St Mary’s Church, the Rev Andrew Poppe, who has been informed of the mishap."

"Also left at an angle was the post indicating the small vessel channel.

"All the craft were towed into Shepards Marina."

The spokesperson added: "Cowes Harbour Commission confirmed that the 5.30 Red Funnel ferry Red Eagle was apparently responsible."

Operators Red Funnel say the vehicle made 'light contact' with a boat, which was moored in the fairway at Cowes.

They added that no-one was aboard the yacht and it was undamaged.

A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that MV Red Eagle operating the 5.30am sailing to Southampton came into light contact with a small yacht moored overnight in the fairway at Cowes.

"There were no crew aboard the yacht and no one was injured on the ferry which was undamaged and remains in service.

"An investigation into the cause is underway in partnership with the relevant authorities.

"Visibility at the time was reported to be extremely poor due to fog.”

It comes after a crew from Calshot Lifeboat station announced they had launched a search for a vessel after it was reportedly hit by a 'fast ferry'.

A statement on Facebook by Calshot Lifeboat station said: "Calshot Atlantic Lifeboat has just been launched in thick fog to search for a vessel reportedly hit by a fast ferry.

"Cowes RNLI Lifeboat also in attendance."