This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/dorset/8377898.stm

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Ferry passengers leap into sea Ferry passengers leap into sea
(about 1 hour later)
A major search operation has been launched after four people jumped from a ferry into the sea in Dorset. A major search operation was launched after reports that illegal immigrants jumped from a cross-channel ferry into the sea off the Dorset coast.
The passengers, believed to be two men and two women, leapt from the Cherbourg to Poole ferry as it approached Poole Harbour. Coastguards and RNLI crews were mobilised in stormy conditions on Wednesday at about 0100 GMT.
Coastguards and RNLI crews were mobilised at about 0100 GMT. A Russian man with soaking clothes was picked up trying to board a chain ferry between Purbeck and Sandbanks.
A Russian man with soaking clothes was picked up trying to board the chain ferry between Purbeck and Sandbanks. He is being treated in Poole Hospital. The search was called off at 0500 GMT. One other person, who is thought to have reached shore, is still missing.
Stowed away
Coastguards initially believed a total of four people - two men and two women - were in the water.
They now understand there were only two people in the water.
The pair reportedly leapt from the Barfleur, the Cherbourg to Poole ferry, as it approached Poole Harbour.
Sea conditions were appalling with squalls of up to 50 knots blowing through Volunteer coxswain Jonathan Clark
The man who tried to board the chain ferry is being treated in Poole Hospital.
It is believed the man, who is being interviewed with the help of interpreters, stowed away on a lorry.It is believed the man, who is being interviewed with the help of interpreters, stowed away on a lorry.
Search and rescue crews, including a coastguard helicopter, battled stormy weather conditions for several hours. Police are investigating whether there were more migrants on board the ship.
Search and rescue crews, including a coastguard helicopter, battled stormy weather conditions for several hours searching the area.
Volunteer coxswain Jonathan Clark said: "It was blowing hard and sea conditions were appalling with squalls up to 50 knots blowing through."Volunteer coxswain Jonathan Clark said: "It was blowing hard and sea conditions were appalling with squalls up to 50 knots blowing through."
The search was called off at about 0500 GMT but the coastguards have said they believe "no one is now in danger".
The matter has now been handed over to the UK Border Agency.The matter has now been handed over to the UK Border Agency.