Cowes Lifeboat Scrambles in Early Hours Over Suspected Missing Ferry Passenger
False Alarm Sparks Overnight Lifeboat Launch
The Cowes Lifeboat was urgently launched just after 2am following reports of a possible missing person from the Red Eagle Car Ferry. The alert quickly turned out to be a false alarm when the individual was found safe ashore. Despite this, police enquiries are ongoing.
Intoxicated Passenger Causes Concern
Tom Wyeth, Station Officer of The Needles Coastguard Rescue Team, explained the situation: “The passenger was quite heavily intoxicated and had been sick several times on board the ferry. Staff grew concerned when he wandered off and couldn’t be located. No one saw him disembark the ferry at East Cowes.”
CCTV Reveals Passenger’s Movements
After reviewing CCTV footage of the ferry crossing, rescuers found the man had befriended two people who gave him a lift off the ferry. “Although the footage doesn’t show him getting into a car, he walked towards the vehicles and we are 99% certain he got in one,” said Wyeth.
Rescue Team Stand Down Shortly After 3am
The emergency teams returned to base just before 3:30am, ending the search. The incident highlights the challenges faced by ferry operators and rescue teams when dealing with intoxicated passengers on board.
