RED Funnel crew members launched a rescue mission yesterday afternoon (Monday) ­— after a kitten had jumped overboard.

Shortly following departure, the 5pm Southampton to Isle of Wight crossing on Red Eagle was halted.

Crew members quickly launched a rescue boat to save a feline which had escaped and jumped overboard from deck C.

Captain Simon Brindle stopped the vessel, allowing deck mate Ben Gibson and deck hand Mark Holland to intervene.

They successfully rescued the male kitten from the water and brought him safely back on board.

Leanna Lakes, operations director at Red Funnel, said: “We are incredibly proud of our captain and crew on the Red Eagle for acting fast and saving one of our fluffy, four-legged passengers, and thank them for their brave efforts yesterday.

"We are happy to say that the cat was safely returned and is doing well.”