WATCH: Witnesses speak of '˜commotion' in search for man who '˜jumped' from Wightlink ferry

Vincent Winstanley was walking along the beach when he noticed a helicopter in the skies.

The 68-year-old from Southsea said: '˜I saw the helicopter and then all these boats and the strangest thing of all was the ferry that had just stopped in the middle of the Solent.

'˜There was lots of commotion and boats all clearly looking for something.'

Two RNLI lifeboats from Portsmouth, the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent, and both Hillhead and Portsmouth coastguard rescue teams are all involved in the search for a man who Wightlink said was seen to jump from a ferry. 

Vincent added: '˜There were coastguards on the beach with binoculars and I saw the police boats launch as well.

'˜A lot of people were curious as to what was happening and concerned.'

ICYMI: Leamington House resident fears replacement home is '˜unsuitable' A spokesperson from Wightlink Ferry said: '˜On the 10:30am St Cecilia car ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne a passenger was seen to jump overboard, just outside Portsmouth Harbour.

Video from Proud of Portsmouth