Small yacht struck by Red Eagle prompts RNLI response

A small yacht was struck by the Red Eagle ferry on Thursday morning (September 27).

Calshot RNLI and Cowes RNLI lifeboats are attending the incident and were paged at around 7am.

Calshot RNLI wrote on Facebook: “Calshot Atlantic Lifeboat has just been launched in thick fog to search for a vessel reportedly hit by a fast ferry. Cowes RNLI Lifeboat also in attendance. More details may follow later.”

A Red Funnel spokesman said: “We can confirm that MV Red Eagle operating the 5.30am sailing to Southampton came into light contact with a small yacht moored overnight in the fairway at Cowes.

“There were no crew aboard the yacht and no one was injured on the ferry which was undamaged and remains in service.

“An investigation into the cause is underway in partnership with the relevant authorities. Visibility at the time was reported to be extremely poor due to fog.”