The body of a man was pulled from the water near Calshot on Thursday morning.
Passengers on board a Red Funnel sailing between East Cowes and Southampton spotted the body floating in the water off the coast of Calshot Spit.
The Red Osprey turned around until reinforcements arrived, with staff calling the police.
It resumed its journey after Red Kestrel, the company's sister ship, arrived to take over guarding the scene.
The company has thanked passengers for their patience after the Red Osprey crossing from East Cowes was delayed by around 20 minutes.
Red Funnel has confirmed that during its 9am service from East Cowes, it assisted Hampshire Constabulary with an incident in the water.
A passenger delayed by the incident said that crowds on board gathered at the windows to see what was going on.
The passenger said: "It was probably about halfway to Southampton when a passenger pointed out something in the water.
“The boat stopped at sea and went back to check it, then stopped until another Red Funnel came over to guard the body.
“Our boat has been delayed about 25 minutes and we weren't entirely sure what was happening until we went back to check what was in the sea.
“It's so busy on this boat so when everyone realised what was happening, there were crowds trying to see what was going on. As far as we're aware, there's a body floating in the sea.”
READ MORE: Isle of Wight ferry latest after body seen in water
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed that officers were called after the body was found.
They said: "We were called around 10.30am after the body of a man was sadly found in the water and brought ashore at Calshot.
"Enquiries are ongoing at this time."
A spokesperson for Red Funnel said: "This morning, January 2, during our 9.00am Red Osprey crossing from East Cowes, our team assisted the police with an incident in the water.
“We acted swiftly to support the authorities while prioritising the safety of our passengers.
“The service has now resumed, but there will be a 20-minute delay to the 12:00 crossing from East Cowes.
“We appreciate our passengers’ understanding and patience this morning."
Other passengers have praised Red Funnel for the company's "professionalism".
Another passenger said: "I was a passenger on the ferry, and I think Red Funnel did a good job of managing a sensitive situation.
"I think they had little choice other than to communicate in the way that they did.
"I don’t praise Red Funnel very often, but on this occasion they handled things well."
"The professionalism of the staff on board was second to none", said another passenger.
"Everyone was kept informed at all times and only when it was confirmed did they tell us it was a body.
"It stops rumours and hearsay.
"It stops people kicking off when we dock 3/4 of an hour late.
"Well done Red Funnel for being honest, considerate and professional."
Red Funnel continued to report delays of up to 30 minutes on its services throughout the rest of Thursday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated: 1st January 1970 12:00 am
Report this comment Cancel