Search and rescue stood down after reports of man overboard on Larne-bound passenger vessel
A multi-agency search and rescue operation has been stood down after reports of a man overboard from a passenger vessel travelling to Larne.
HM Coastguard said it responded to the reports at 1.21pm yesterday (Thursday, February 12).
In an update issued at 7:45pm last night, a spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “Larne and Portmuck Coastguard Rescue Teams and RNLI Lifeboats from Larne and Donaghadee were sent, as well as an HM Coastguard rescue helicopter. After extensive and thorough searches, the search has been stood down with nothing found at this time.”
Larne RNLI said it was requested to launch its all-weather lifeboat at 1.25pm on Thursday following a report of a missing person.
Donaghadee RNLI was later requested to join the search, and the crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 2.45pm.
Crew on other vessels in the area also assisted, a Larne RNLI spokesperson added.
In a statement, P&O Ferries said: “We can confirm that an incident occurred onboard the European Highlander while the vessel was sailing to Larne yesterday afternoon. HM Coastguard has now suspended their search and rescue operation. We are continuing to support the authorities with their enquiries. Given the ongoing nature of their work, we will not be commenting further at this stage.”