Search for person missing from ferry in Irish Sea

A search operation is under way following a report of a person missing from a ferry in the Irish Sea, the Department of Transport has said.

The Irish Coast Guard was alerted to the incident by the HM Coast Guard in the UK, which is coordinating the operation.

Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter 116 alongside all-weather lifeboats from the RNLI’s Howth and Dún Laoghaire stations are assisting the search.

The operation remains ongoing, the department said.

HM Coastguard said in a statement that around 9.15am it received a report of a man “who may have gone overboard from a passenger vessel during an overnight crossing between Dublin and Holyhead”.

“An HM Coastguard helicopter and aeroplane were sent as well as RNLI lifeboats from Holyhead, Porthdinllaen and Howth. A broadcast was also made and nearby vessels assisted.

“North Wales Police and the Garda in Ireland have been informed. The search is ongoing,” the statement added.