Breaking: Serious incident sees emergency services flock to Eastney with coastguard, fire and ambulance services in attendance

Emergency services are in attendance of a incident in Eastney with onlookers describing the situation as “chaos”.

The area around the Eastney Landing where the Hayling Island ferry departs from has been closed down by emergency services on Sunday, September 6. Footage taken from the scene shows a large presence of emergency services including the coastguard, police, ambulance and fire service.

Two RNLI boats have also been spotted arriving in the harbour from the Solent. It comes as two RNLI lifeboats were called out to intercept a boat, which was reportedly carrying migrants, which was believed to have launched from Normandy, France, overnight.

It is believed around 140 to160 migrants were rescued. A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: “In response to a report on September 6 of a small boat heading towards the Hampshire coast, HM Coastguard sent lifeboats, an HM Coastguard helicopter, an HM Coastguard aeroplane and HM Coastguard Rescue Teams.

“Border Force, Border Security Command, Hampshire Police and South Central Ambulance Service were also sent.”

Christine Martin is currently on a boat on the Eastney Cruising Association pontoon but she is unable to leave due to the incident. The 64-year-old who lives in Southsea said: “Being on my own in the boat, I am a little bit worried. The coastguard has been here sometime not letting anyone in or out. I just don’t know what to do.

“There have been lots of ambulances turning up. There is maybe 50 or 60 police and ambulance officers down near the Hayling Ferry pontoon.”

Ella Pritchard lives in Eastney, she said: “There are 15 police cars, border control on our doorstep. It has been been blocked off and it is causing chaos. This is a quiet fishing place, it is sleepy around here, and there is police everywhere. I am in shock at how much carnage it has caused.”