WIGHTLINK ferries were called into action to help rescue a passenger who reportedly fell overboard from a FastCat at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour, heading to the Isle of Wight.
The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) said Solent Coastguard co-ordinated the response, after receiving a report of concern shortly before 7pm last night.
According to the MCA, a 'man overboard' incident was reported from a FastCat passenger vessel.
This prompted the deployment of Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service lifeboat crews and the South East Coast Ambulance Service.
Local vessels also assisted in the operation.
Wightlink said two of its vessels were involved in the rescue effort.
Vehicle ferry Victoria of Wight was the first to respond, before FastCat vessel Wight Ryder II also assisted.
The casualty was recovered, before being taken back to shore.
He was transferred into the care of a waiting ambulance crew.
The incident led to delays of up to 45 minutes on Wightlink's Portsmouth-Fishbourne service.
Wightlink's FastCat service was also disrupted.
The 7.20pm sailing from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head, and the 7.47pm sailing from Ryde Pier Head to Portsmouth Harbour were both cancelled.
A spokesperson for Wightlink said: "Following a man overboard incident on the FastCat this evening, Victoria of Wight, which was in the vicinity, launched a rescue boat and the individual was recovered from the water.
"The FastCat returned to Portsmouth Harbour with this individual, who is now in the care of the emergency services."
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