THIS was the moment a Wightlink ferry diverted to rescue passengers in trouble in a RIB on The Solent today.

The Victoria of Wight stopped mid crossing and launched its tender to help the people onboard the RIB, off Ryde.

The tender raced to Ryde Pier Head and back to the RIB while other small craft went to help out.

Isle of Wight webcams said on Facebook: "Three children and one adult rescued from broken down rib off Ryde Pier this evening.

"A Wightlink Ferry came to the aid of the vessel along with coastguard volunteers and Ryde Inshore rescue."

More to follow.

Picture by Michael Stevenson.

Below is footage courtesy of Isle of Wight Webcams via Wight Media Services.

A statement has come through from Wightlink:

This evening, Wightlink’s flagship, Victoria of Wight, assisted with the recovery of passengers from a distressed RIB, not far from Ryde Pier, after a call at 19:20. The vessel had become tangled in lobster pots and was drifting. Victoria of Wight’s lifeboat was deployed to recover an adult and four children from the RIB, who were taken safely to the care of the Coastguard at Ryde Pier Head.

Keith Greenfield, Chief Executive of Wightlink, said: “I am very relieved that all the passengers on the distressed RIB have been recovered uninjured and I’d like to give thanks to Captain Sam Mitchell and the crew of Victoria of Wight for their professionalism and quick reactions. The safety of lives is always Wightlink’s top priority and our crews are well trained to deal with emergency situations like this.”