Major search under way after 'person falls overboard' on ferry from Scotland

A major search operation is under way after a person reportedly fell overboard on a ferry from Scotland.

Coastguard crews launched a search and rescue operation in the Irish Sea following reports of a man overboard from a P&O ferry around 1.21pm on Thursday.

The European Highlander was travelling between Stranraer and Larne when the incident took place.

A search involving crews from Larne and Portmuck Coastguard Rescue Teams, a rescue helicopter, and RNLI lifeboats from Larne and Donaghadee is ongoing.

A HM Coastguard spokesperson: “At 1.21pm on February 12, HM Coastguard responded to reports of a man overboard from a passenger vessel travelling between Larne and Stranraer.

“Larne and Portmuck Coastguard Rescue Teams and RNLI Lifeboats from Larne and Donaghadee have been sent, as well as an HM Coastguard rescue helicopter.

“The incident is ongoing.”

A P&O Ferries spokesperson added: “We can confirm that an incident has occurred onboard the European Highlander while the vessel was sailing to Larne.

“We are working closely with the relevant authorities, who are actively responding.

“Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of all involved, and we will provide further updates as more information becomes available.”

A maritime traffic website showed the European Highlander and rescue boats in an area of the Irish Sea east of the East Maiden’s Lighthouse in the hours after the rescue operation began.

P&O’s sailings from both Stranraer and Larne were cancelled as the company said they anticipate delays to the 8pm sailings.

The ferry company describes the ship as “one of the fastest ferries on the Irish Sea”.

The twin-deck vessel operates six daily crossings from Scotland to Larne, which take around two hours and can carry up to 410 passengers, 375 cars and/or 116 commercial vehicles.