Man swims to Whale Island and approaches navy staff

It happened at 7.17pm last night when he swam from Portsea Island to Whale Isand across the harbour.

A coastguard spokeswoman said: ‘Portsmouth Lifeboat and Hampshire police were tasked to a male in the water between Whale Island and Portsea Island in Portsmouth Harbour.

‘Male detained on shore by police until the lifeboat arrived at scene.

‘He swam across to the island, approached navy staff and they spoke to him and he got back in the water and was swimming around.’

A Hampshire police spokesman said: ‘We received a concern for welfare call at 7.15pm on Saturday, May 28 after a man was seen in the water between Portsmouth Harbour and Whale Island.

‘He came out of the water and taken voluntarily to St James’ Hospital in Portsmouth.’