Man falls overboard on Larne-Cairnryan ferry

A major search operation is under way after a man was reported overboard from a P&O passenger ferry travelling between Larne and Cairnryan.

HM Coastguard said it responded to reports of the incident at around 13:21 GMT on Thursday afternoon.

A spokesperson said, "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 remains ongoing.

In a statement P&O Ferries said: "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."

In a statement Larne RNLI said it was requested to launch its all-weather lifeboat at 13:25 GMT following a report of a missing person.

Donaghadee RNLI was later requested and joined the search at 14:25 GMT.

"A coastguard helicopter is also involved in the ongoing operation while crew on other vessels in the area, are also assisting," they added.