Car ferry sinks yacht, then runs aground in thick fog

AN ISLE of Wight ferry crashed into several yachts and ran aground in thick fog yesterday morning.

The Red Falcon car ferry, operated by Red Funnel, collided with at least two other boats, sinking one of them, while trying to berth at Cowes Harbour.

A member of the public raised the alarm after hearing cries for help from within Cowes Harbour but the Coastguard later confirmed that nobody had to be rescued from the water and there were no injuries in the incident.

The ferry was refloated with the assistance of tugs and was yesterday awaiting inspection by Coastguard surveyors. One of the yachts sank after the collision.

Janice Woodford, 55, whose house backs on to the East Cowes Esplanade, watched the incident unfold through the fog and said it is not the first time accidents had happened in poor visibility, adding: “We have had three incidents like this in the last month or so – and they’ve all been when it was foggy.”

Red Funnel launched an investigation as Fran Collins, the company’s chief executive, said the boats involved in the collision were “unmanned, moored yachts” and that there were no reported injuries.

Ms Collins said: “On behalf of Red Funnel, I would like to sincerely apologise to all those affected … Our staff are contacting passengers to offer them alternative sailings and service details are also available on our website.”

She said Red Funnel placed the safety of passengers and crew as its “highest priority”.