AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a Red Funnel vehicle ferry crashed into two yachts this morning.

The Red Falcon vessel, which had left Southampton for East Cowes this morning at 7am, had run aground following the collision.

The authorities have now confirmed that the boat has been refloated and is now going alongside in East Cowes where MCA surveyors will make an assessment of the vessel.

HM Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard can confirm that there is nobody in the water or missing in Cowes Harbour.  HM Coastguard has made contact with the person who was initially heard crying for help and he is reported to be safe and well.  We have established that the person was onboard his own vessel and crying out to try and alert the master of the ferry of the situation. 

"The Red Falcon, with assistance of tugs, has been refloated and is now in the process of going alongside in East Cowes where MCA surveyors will make an assessment of the vessel.

"All passengers remain safe and well and will disembark when the vessel is safely alongside.

"Any witnesses who saw the collision, the grounding and/or any passengers onboard the Red Falcon are requested to contact MCA Investigations and Enforcement Unit via email at  enforcement.unit@mcga.gov.uk leaving their contact details so that we can get in touch."

Earlier this morning, there were reports that cries for help were heard within Cowes Harbour.

Red Funnel has said all trips between Southampton and East Cowes have been suspended.

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In a tweet it said: "Vehicle Ferry suspended between Southampton and East Cowes until further notice due to the Harbour in Cowes being closed due to safety reasons.

"Our next update will be at 13:00. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to your journey."

The ferry is still currently at East Cowes.

At around 10.30am, A tug arrived from Southampton.

The Esplanade is packed with onlookers waiting to see what will happen next.

A spokesperson for Red Funnel said: “The 07.00 vehicle ferry sailing from Southampton to East Cowes came into contact with several small yachts whilst entering Cowes Harbour at 08.00 this morning (21/10/18) in dense fog, The ship (Red Falcon) is currently aground but is watertight and no injuries have been sustained to any of the 40 passengers on-board.

"There are no reports of any injuries to anyone who was involved in the incident.

"Attempts to refloat the vessel are currently underway on a falling tide. If this proves unsuccessful, a further attempt will be made at the next High Tide.

"Cowes Harbour is currently closed to all traffic. 

"Further updates to follow.” 

Earlier a spokesperson for the coastguard added: "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.

Bournemouth Echo:

"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 at an extensive search of the area with Cowes RNLI lifeboat, Calshot RNLI lifeboats and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bembridge, Needles and Ventnor.  A Coastguard search and rescue helicopter was searching the area but due to the 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."