Man Falls from Ferry Near Portsmouth – Massive Search Turns Into Recovery
A man who plunged from the 10.30am Fishbourne to Portsmouth ferry has vanished without a trace as the boat neared Portsmouth harbour entrance. Emergency services launched a huge search operation but have now shifted focus to a recovery mission.
Mayday Call Sparks Full-Scale Rescue Effort
The Wightlink crew aboard the St Cecilia swung into action immediately, launching rescue boats and alerting the UK Coastguard with a Mayday call just before 11am on Wednesday morning.
Search teams scoured the area using a helicopter and two lifeboats, but found no sign of the missing man. The search was halted pending any new information.
Emergency Services Joined by Military and Lifeboat Crews
Police investigations are underway, with officers reviewing CCTV footage and passenger lists to determine the circumstances behind the incident—reports suggest the man may have jumped from the ferry.
The Bembridge lifeboat was scrambled at 11.55am to coordinate the search near Portsmouth Harbour entrance. The operation involved:
- Two MOD Police launches
- Portsmouth RNLI’s Atlantic 85 & D-Class lifeboats
- Coastguard helicopter (Rescue 175)
- Local Coastguard teams and several vessels
After a thorough search inside and outside the harbour, the ‘Alfred Albert Williams’ lifeboat was released to return to Bembridge, arriving at the boathouse by 2.30pm.
Ferry Services Resume as Investigation Continues
Portsmouth Fishbourne ferry services and harbour traffic have resumed normal operations. Hampshire Police remain on the case, determined to uncover the full story behind the dramatic man-overboard incident.
