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Ferry passengers leap into sea Ferry passenger leaps into sea
(about 3 hours 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 massive search of the sea off Dorset has taken place after a man jumped overboard from a cross-Channel ferry as it approached Poole Harbour.
Coastguards and RNLI crews were mobilised in stormy conditions on Wednesday at about 0100 GMT. He leapt from the Barfleur ferry in stormy conditions as it was en route from Cherbourg on Tuesday night.
A Russian man with wet clothes was picked up trying to board a chain ferry between Purbeck and Sandbanks. A man was later arrested after being found with a wetsuit under his clothes at the Swanage chain-ferry terminal.
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 but police said it was unclear if anyone else needed to be accounted for.
Stowed away He was indicating he was with three other people so the lifeboats were launched Anne-Marie Clark, RNLI
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. The search was stood down when crews were satisfied no-one else was in danger.
The pair reportedly leapt from the Barfleur, the Cherbourg to Poole ferry, as it approached Poole Harbour. "Dorset Police and partner agencies are continuing to make enquiries," the force said.
Sea conditions were appalling with squalls of up to 50 knots blowing through Volunteer coxswain Jonathan Clark "The man, whose identity is yet to be established, was subsequently arrested on behalf of the UK Borders Agency under suspicion of being an illegal immigrant."
The man who tried to board the chain ferry is being treated in Poole Hospital. People-trafficking suspect
It is believed the man, who is being interviewed with the help of interpreters, stowed away on a lorry. But the UK Border Agency said the man was Spanish and was being questioned on suspicion of people-trafficking.
Police are investigating whether there were more migrants on board the ship. He was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment but was later discharged and remains in police custody.
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." Anne-Marie Clark, of the RNLI, said: "He didn't speak English. He was indicating he was with three other people so the lifeboats were launched."
The matter has now been handed over to the UK Border Agency. A Portland Coastguard spokeswoman said: "We have had gale force winds and rain, so we have had a really tough search."
She said the man had been found "cold and wet" and added: "The search was terminated with further information."