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Search for man who fell overboard from ferry stood down

A Coastguard helicopter flying over the sea
The UK Coastguard said crews responded to the incident yesterday

A search operation has been stood down after reports of a man overboard from a passenger ferry.

The UK Coastguard said crews responded to the incident on the Stranraer to Larne service at 1.21pm yesterday.

It said its response had been stood down after "extensive and thorough searches" with "nothing found at this time".

The search was not started again this morning.

In a statement, P&O Ferries said the UK Coastguard "has now suspended their search and rescue operation".

"We are continuing to support the authorities with their inquiries," it added.

The search operation involved Larne and Portmuck Coastguard rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats from Larne and Donaghadee and a UK Coastguard rescue helicopter.

Crews on other vessels in the area also assisted, the RNLI said.

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 about two hours and can carry up to 410 passengers, 375 cars and over 100 commercial vehicles.