Red Funnel Ferry Captain Faces Court Over Near-Disaster Collision
Ian Drummond, a seasoned captain with Red Funnel, appeared in court yesterday charged with two offences following a dramatic collision involving the ‘Red Falcon’ ferry and a motor cruiser off Calshot last year.
Ferry Pins Cruiser Against Bow
The incident happened while the Red Falcon was en-route to East Cowes in September 2018. The 32ft motor cruiser ‘Phoenix’ was pinned against the ferry’s bow for a tense 18 seconds, sustaining serious damage. The smaller boat, carrying four people, almost capsized before being safely guided into Cowes Harbour.
Heavy Passenger Load During Collision
At the time, the Red Falcon was packed with 182 passengers and 20 crew. An official Maritime Accident Investigation Branch report was published earlier this year, shedding light on the near-miss.
Charges and Controversy in Court
Drummond, 62, faces charges of misconduct likely to endanger ships or individuals, and breaching Merchant Shipping Regulations. In court, he claimed the modified Raptor-class ferries now desperately need additional lookouts — a request he says has been ignored.
“I don’t understand how Phoenix got where it was – I never saw a thing,” Drummond told the court.
The captain, a lifelong Solent sailor, insisted he is thorough and vigilant at sea. Red Funnel is expected to issue a statement once the trial concludes.
