The RNLI have launched a search operation for ‘anyone in the water’ after a ferry ‘collided with at least two yachts’ this morning while ‘running aground in heavy fog’ at East Cowes.
The Red Funnel ferry is currently out of position around 40-50m from shore at East Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said in a statement a member of the public called 999 reporting cries of help from the water.
A search and rescue helicopter was launched but had to turn back due to low visibility.
Tug boats have arrived on the scene, Isle of Wight Radio reports, and new images show the ferry just metres from the shoreline.
There are more people travelling to the island than usual this weekend as the Isle of Wight comic con, Island Con, is taking place this weekend.
Cowes Harbour is now closed to all traffic as they try to refloat the vessel.
One passenger said those onboard have been given teas and coffees but have not been told when the ferry will run again.
The Island Echo reported rescue teams were searching for people in the water earlier this morning.
Its Editor Darren Toogood is at the scene and confirmed to MirrorOnline that the ferry had run aground – and that he can see a mast sticking out of the water where a small vessel has sunk after a ‘collision’.
He said: "People have heard cries for help, witnesses. There’s a search to rule out people in the water. Initial information was that the boat was tied up so they want to rule out there are people there."
"The ferry’s aground completely. It’s so close I can get the ferry’s wifi. It’s high tide now so it won’t move for another 12 hours."
Cowes RNLI Lifeboat, Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team and Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team were involved in the search.
One local shared a picture of the boat just metres from the shore and wrote: "This is the view from my mum and dad’s house. My dad was born there and has lived there for 74 years and never known anything like it! I hope everyone is ok."
Red Funnel ferry services said their Red Jet service ha also been suspended "until further notice due to reduced visibility".
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said in a statement: "Just after 8am today, HM Coastguard received reports that the Red Falcon Ferry had collided with at least two yachts whilst trying to berth at the entrance of Cowes Harbour during heavy fog.
"At around the same time we received a 999 call from a member of the public reporting that he’d heard cries for help within Cowes Harbour.
"We are currently carrying out an extensive search of the area with Cowes RNLI Lifeboat, Calshot RNLI lifeboats and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bembridge, Needles and Ventor.
"A Coastguard search and rescue helicopter was searching the area but due to low visibility in the area had to turn back. The search is ongoing and we have no further information at this stage.
"The ferry with 56 persons onboard remains grounded at the entrance at Cowes. Those persons onboard are safe and well."
A UK coastguard spokeswoman said: "We have now finished dealing with the incident. There were no casualties and no emergency services were called.
"We are unable to give any further information at this time."
The incident comes after a The Red Funnel ‘Red Eagle’ ferry ploughed through moorings in the same harbour last month.
It cut several boats adrift and damaged a signpost.
A 30ft catamaran, belonging to an Isle of Wight vicar, was pushed from its moorings and into a small Daring boat during the incident.
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