Search Launched for Man Overboard from P&O Ferry in Irish Sea

A major search and rescue operation is underway in the Irish Sea after reports that a man fell overboard from a P&O Ferries vessel traveling from Stranraer in Scotland to Larne in Northern Ireland.

The incident occurred around 1:21 p.m. on Thursday aboard the European Highlander, prompting an immediate response from HM Coastguard. Rescue teams from Larne and Portmuck, along with Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboats from Larne and Donaghadee, joined the effort, supported by a Coastguard helicopter. The Larne lifeboat launched at 1:25 p.m., followed by the Donaghadee crew at 2:45 p.m. Vessels in the vicinity also assisted in the search, which focused on an area east of the East Antrim coast, near the East Maidens Lighthouse.

HM Coastguard confirmed the details in a statement: "At 1:21 p.m. this afternoon, HM Coastguard responded to reports of a man overboard from a passenger vessel traveling between Larne and Stranraer. 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 is ongoing."

P&O Ferries acknowledged the event, stating that it took place while the ship...