Tributes are being paid to an employee of an Isle of Wight ferry firm, who died in a crash earlier this month (June).

The family of Livai Boila, from Bournemouth, say he was a "loving partner and doting father".

The 40-year-old, a driver for Red Funnel, died following a collision in Southampton on Thursday, June 15.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said a white HGV had emerged from the Red Funnel ferry terminal and collided with a set of traffic lights on Town Quay.

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Despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public who stopped to help, Mr Boila, the driver, was pronounced dead in hospital.

He was described as 'a loving partner, doting father, beloved brother, son, uncle and grand uncle' by all his family in Fiji and the UK.

A tribute said: "He was a jovial personality, life of any party, always smiling, always joking and ensured smiles from ear to ear.

"Livai was a hard worker, diligent and true to himself and always performed to the best of his capabilities.

"He was well loved by his extended family, the Fijian diaspora where he was known and all his colleagues at work.

"Livai was a supportive, loving and comforting partner, the best support system anyone could ever ask for, he was a present and loving father to his son who was his whole world and our rock.

"He will surely and sorely be missed.

"Livai’s family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Red Funnel, the emergency services and all the staff at Southampton Hospital, who were all with him until the very end.

"Vinaka vakalevu (thank you very much) and god bless you all."

The collision led to the closure of the Town Quay, the main route to Red Funnel's terminals on the first day of Isle of Wight Festival 2023.

Anyone with information about the collision should contact police quoting reference 44230236833.