A MAN was taken to St Mary's Hospital after suffering a head injury whilst on board a pleasure cruise yesterday (Sunday).
The 67 year old fell down a flight of stairs on the ferry and hit his head, causing the Southampton-bound boat to be diverted to Cowes.
Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) were called to assist the UK Coastguard at 16:20 yesterday afternoon. The ferry, which had left Portsmouth and was bound for Southampton, was passing Gilicker Point when the alarm was raised.
Two GAFIRS crewmen assisted the casualty. 
GAFIRS senior helm Brian Pack said: "My crew assessed the gentleman who was complaining of head and neck pain. They administered oxygen and immobilised his neck as a precautionary measure.
"My crew decided the safest way to get the casualty into the hands of the ambulance service was to divert the vessel to Cowes, Isle of Wight."
An ambulance crew met the lifeboat at Trinity landings and the man was taken to hospital for further treatment.