story is at
<A target="_blank" HREF=https://mcanet.mcga.gov.uk/public/news/release.asp?mcga_news_id=2189&month=4&year=2003>https://mcanet.mcga.gov.uk/public/news/release.asp?mcga_news_id=2189&month=4&year=2003</A>
I'd surprised if that were quite the case - my suspicion is that they might well have been on the inverted bridedeck. Depending how the cat was lying, that would almost certainly have kept them out of the water, and quite possibly even have given them a little shelter from the wind.
According to Times boat was named Antaries and they kept spirits up by singing Happy Birthday to one of the women who had just turned 32. Their singing was heard by awoman walking her dog at Calshot. Doesn't mention the type of cat(amaran not Felix!).
What a way to spend your Birthday - still alls well that ends well.