Couple Rescued from Leaking Boat in Portsmouth Harbour

A man and a woman were rescued after attempting to traverse Portsmouth Harbour in a small, wooden vessel that was taking on water. The 45-year-old man and 57-year-old woman were observed struggling and subsequently rescued by Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) during the early morning. Gosport Police reported that officers encountered the “soggy and cold “would-be pirates of Portsmouth Harbour”” after their arrival ashore, at which point they were checked over searched and their details recorded. The police force stated that officers were attempting to locate the owners of the vessel, which was suspected of being stolen and appeared “to have sailed its last voyage.” The shortest distance for a crossing from Portsmouth Harbour to Gosport measures 230m (755ft). Gosport Police commented that both individuals were “very lucky” to have been seen, adding that “otherwise things could have turned out very differently.” The force further stated: “It goes without saying that Portsmouth Harbour is a very busy and dangerous working harbour and presents a very real risk to life.” “Under no circumstances is it safe to try and cross the harbour yourself to try and save the ferry or taxi fare.”