The RNLI launched a search operation following the incident, but later confirmed that no one was missing
A ferry has collided with two yachts, approximately 50 metres off the shore on the Isle of Wight.
The Red Funnel ferry ran aground in heavy fog near the town of East Cowes on the island.
A spokesperson for Red Funnel says a ferry owned by the company hit "several small yachts" while entering Cowes Harbour in dense fog on the Isle of Wight this morning
— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) October 21, 2018
According to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a member of the public called 999 after hearing calls for help.
Video of the aftermath has been circulated on social media.
https://twitter.com/madelinep/status/1053947139473186816
A helicopter was deployed to search for anyone stuck in the water, but had to turn back due to low visibility.
The coastguard then confirmed that “nobody was in the water or missing”.
INCIDENT UPDATE #HMCoastguard can confirm that nobody is in the water or missing in #CowesHarbour. We made contact with person who was heard crying for help and he is safe and well. He was onboard his own vessel and calling out to try and alert the master of the ferry #allsafe
— Maritime and Coastguard Agency (@MCA_media) October 21, 2018
It was also confirmed that all 56 people on the ferry were safe, and it had now returned to the ferry terminal.
“Cowes harbour has reopened so the Southampton-West Cowes Red Jet service has now resumed,” Red Funnel said in a statement. “Foot passengers are advised to use this service.”
Red Funnel are the ferry company that operates vehicle ferry services from Southampton to East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, along with foot passenger catamarans to Cowes.
