Search for missing ferry passenger off Tyneside coast
A large scale search and
rescue operation is underway off the coast of Tyneside after a ferry passenger
was reported missing.
Just after 12.15pm
today, HM Coastguard was notified of a missing passenger on a DFDS ferry that
was on route from the Netherlands to North Shields, Tyneside.
HM Coastguard search and
rescue helicopter based at Humberside is currently searching the area along with Coastguard Rescue Teams from Seaham,
Sunderland and Blyth, with
Lifeboats from six RNLI stations including Filey, Scarborough, Whitby,
Hartlepool, Tynemouth and Blyth and volunteer lifeboats from Tynemouth and South Shields.
A Mayday relay broadcast
has also been issued by HM Coastguard to inform all vessels in the area. Northumbria Police have also been informed.
The search is ongoing
and we have no further information at this stage.
** Update as of 19.30pm this evening the search and rescue operation has been stood down with nothing found. **
** Update as of 19.30pm this evening the search and rescue operation has been stood down with nothing found. **