Ferry officer dives into freezing water to rescue man from drowning

A Wightlink member of staff dived into the freezing water off Portsmouth Harbour to rescue a man that was drowning, the ferry company has confirmed.

The crew of the St Clare ferry spotted a man in the water close to their vessel, berthed near the Gunwharf car ferry terminal, at around 11pm on Saturday.

Springing into action, the crew on the car deck tossed a life ring towards the man, who struggled to reach the floatation device, prompting deck officer Steve Chamberlain to jump in.

Mr Chamberlain has served Wightlink for 20 years and spent five years in the Royal Navy.

Conscious, but suffering from the effects of hypothermia, Wightlink said the man was taken to the pontoon in Broad Street, Old Portsmouth where paramedics were waiting to take him to hospital.

Mr Chamberlain was also taken to hospital for a check up, but was later released.