One passenger, a 50-year-old woman from Southampton who did not wish to be named, said that the motorboat appeared to be “intentionally heading on a collision course” with the ferry.
However, at the last minute, the motorboat “sped right across the front”.
The alleged incident occurred on Friday, June 13, on the 7.30pm ferry from East Cowes to Southampton.
The woman had been visiting her parents who were on holiday on the island, and was returning home.
She noticed the motorboat heading towards them after the ferry blasted its horn.
She said: “The crossing was going smoothly until passengers heard a blast from the horn after seeing a boat at speed coming directly towards the ferry.
“We were sitting out on the side of the boat. We heard the horn and I thought ‘oh my god something’s happening’. You don’t normally hear the horn going off.
“I thought maybe they are just going to veer off to the left and get past.
“This boat was just heading straight towards the ferry.”
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The ferry slowed and changed course, veering right. However, the motorboat appeared to match the manoeuvre to stay on a direct collision course.
The passenger added: “At the very last second, the boat did a very sharp turn and went past the ferry. It was a very close call.
“It was a small white boat, and it was definitely a motorboat. I didn’t see anybody onboard.
“It sped right across the front of the ferry.
“I am terrified of boats as it is. I was worried, even my son was saying he was scared.
“I am just wondering why someone would do that.”
From the first horn blast the incident lasted around three minutes, she said.
Red Funnel has been approached for comment.
