23 people rescued after ferry hits Hythe pier in Hampshire

There were no serious injuries, with three peope sustaining minor injuries

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Twenty-three people have been rescued from a ferry after it collided with a pier in Hampshire.

The vessel struck the Hythe pier on Friday evening, severely damaging the wheelhouse, the coastguard said.

There were no serious injuries, although 20 passengers and three crew members had to be rescued from the stricken boat.

The coastguard said it was called at 9.20pm and sent teams from Southampton and Lymington, along with the Calshot Lifeboat and Calshot Inshore Lifeboat.

The South Central Ambulance Service, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Hampshire Police and Southampton Vessel Traffic Services were also involved in the rescue operation.

The incident has been reported to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.

According to reports three people were treated for minor back and neck injuries at the scene, although it is not known if they need hospital treatment.

Sath Naidoo, operations manager at Hythe Ferry, told the Dorset Echo the vessel's wheelhouse had become "wedged" under the pier.

The ferry runs as a shuttle service between Hythe and Southampton.

PA