Hythe ferry staff publicly shame anti-social passengers

STAFF on Hythe ferry say they are facing an outbreak of drink-fuelled "madness" including fighting, drinking, urinating and even someone jumping off the pier.

Blue Funnel, which runs the service over Southampton Water, posted pictures of the incidents on Facebook with a warning that it might have to tighten up rules on alcohol during crossings.

It said: “For four consecutive weeks we have experienced a number of antisocial acts that our crew and staff have had to deal with.

“On the pier, train and ferry we have seen smoking, fighting, drinking, someone jumping off the pier, and now young men have been seen urinating and this simply is not acceptable.

“We have very clear CCTV along the pier and on our ferries and will continue to post what evidence we have until this madness stops!”

The company added: "We have never stopped you drinking on the ferry and have been quite relaxed with some rules but we are now looking at what we need to do to ensure the safety of our staff and members of the public who act in a sensible manner.”

It asked: “What would your mothers say?”

Operations manager Sath Naidoo said the increase in bad behaviour had started after the ferry introduced a 7.30pm service from Southampton.

He said: "Unfortunately this gives people the chance to drink longer.

"All the incidents have been alcohol-related. We had a group of five lads who relieved themselves in full view of pensioners and young children while waiting on the pier.

"Another day a very drunk lad jumped off it and had to be rescued. We also had a fight and a lad running up the railway track.

"It's behaviour that is not fair on staff or passengers."

Mr Naidoo said police were investigating the incidents, saying: "They came straight down after the Facebook posting and are going to be carrying out patrols on Saturdays.

"We have always had a good relationship with them and are pleased they have been so quick to react."

People responded to the Facebook post – included some who claimed to be culprits themselves. One said of one of the pictures: “Didn’t even get the slim side of me.”

Others were aghast at the behaviour, with one commenting: “A lot of growing-up to do boys. I am disappointed to say the least.”

Another said: “I am sure your mum would be very disappointed to see you urinating like that in public. Pathetic!"