Wightlink Crew Praised After Rescuing Two People From Solent

The crew of a Wightlink ferry have been commended by the RNLI after pulling two people from the water in the Solent.

The incident happened on the evening of 25th February, shortly after Wight Sky departed Yarmouth on its crossing to Lymington.

A member of the bridge team spotted 2 individuals in the water after they had been thrown from a small, high-speed craft.

It was dark and cold, and the RIB was unlit – significantly increasing the risk.

Acting without hesitation, the crew launched the vessel’s rescue boat and successfully recovered both casualties from the sea.

Fortunately, neither person was injured.

The operation was coordinated closely with HM Coastguard to ensure a swift and controlled response.

Meanwhile, the Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat Station lifeboat was also tasked to the scene.

Once on arrival, the RNLI crew took over care of the two individuals and brought them safely aboard.

Wight Sky remained in the area to assist with locating the unmanned craft, which had drifted after ejecting its occupants. The vessel was later recovered by the RNLI.

Captain Richard Cruse praised the teamwork shown throughout, thanking the RNLI for their rapid support and commending his crew for their professionalism and quick-thinking actions.

Al Mackay, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lymington RNLI Lifeboat Station, said the outcome could have been far more serious without the ferry crew’s vigilance and swift intervention.

The incident highlights the importance of constant vigilance at sea and the strong partnership between commercial ferry operators and emergency services in keeping people safe on the water.