Red Eagle rescues yachtsmen

The upturned dinghy was spotted by Red Eagle at approximately 12.20pm during its scheduled passage from Southampton to East Cowes. The ferry stopped and launched its rescue boat and was joined shortly thereafter by ABP's Southampton Patrol launch and the Hamble Lifeboat.

Red Eagle's rescue boat picked up one person from the upturned hull and transferred them to the Southampton Patrol Boat, which then rescued the other two and ferried them ashore to Netley Sailing Club. They were checked by an ambulance crew and found to be cold but uninjured. The dinghy was later recovered by the Hamble lifeboat and Red Eagle continued its journey to East Cowes, arriving approximately 30 minutes behind schedule.

The company would like to publically thank the Master and his crew who acted swiftly and professionally. They are highly trained and regularly practise man over board drills so are well placed to assist in such incidents.

Red Funnel would also like to pass on its best wishes to the three sailors who were rescued.

-ENDS-