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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Ferry passengers leap into sea | Ferry passengers leap into sea |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| A major search operation was launched after reports that illegal immigrants jumped from a cross-channel ferry into the sea off the Dorset coast. | A major search operation was launched after reports that illegal immigrants jumped from a cross-channel ferry into the sea off the Dorset coast. |
| Coastguards and RNLI crews were mobilised in stormy conditions on Wednesday at about 0100 GMT. | Coastguards and RNLI crews were mobilised in stormy conditions on Wednesday at about 0100 GMT. |
| A Russian man with wet clothes was picked up trying to board a chain ferry between Purbeck and Sandbanks. | |
| The search was called off at 0500 GMT. One other person, who is thought to have reached shore, is still missing. | The search was called off at 0500 GMT. One other person, who is thought to have reached shore, is still missing. |
| Stowed away | Stowed away |
| Coastguards initially believed a total of four people - two men and two women - were in the water. | 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. | 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. | 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 | 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. | 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. |
| Police are investigating whether there were more migrants on board the ship. | 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. | 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 matter has now been handed over to the UK Border Agency. | The matter has now been handed over to the UK Border Agency. |