Portsmouth FC congratulates Wightlink’s Steve Chamberlain

Portsmouth FC were delighted to roll out the red carpet for a true hero supporter, Steve Chamberlain, at Sunday’s home game with Oxford United.

Steve is a Deck Officer at Wightlink and on the night of 2 February he sprang to fame when he jumped into the icy waters of Portsmouth Harbour to rescue a man who had fallen into the water.

Steve met manager Kenny Jackett and the squad at training on the Friday before the game and was then a guest of honour in the Boardroom and Directors’ Box for the match.

Club CEO Mark Catlin said: “It was a privilege to host Steve at the game. The word ‘hero’ is often bandied around all too easily, but in his case it is totally deserved. It was the least the club could do.”

Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield said: “Steve was on duty on the car ferry St Clare that night and took immediate action after a man was spotted in difficulty in Portsmouth Harbour.

“Although a life ring had been thrown towards the drowning man, he was unable to reach out for it and the crew saw his head was dipping beneath the waves.

“Without hesitation, Steve jumped into the Camber dock and successfully kept the man’s head above water until help arrived. The rescued man was taken to the Queen Alexandra Hospital and discharged the following day.”

Steve added: “As a long-standing fan, meeting Kenny and the lads at the training ground and sitting in the Directors’ Box for the match was a huge thrill. I’m really chuffed the club thought to do this for me.

Wightlink supports the Portsmouth FC Academy including helping players who travel to train at the academy from the Isle of Wight.

Picture by Colin Farmery/Portsmouth FC: Steve Chamberlain pictured with the Pompey squad at the club’s training ground in Hilsea