Ireland

Major sea search for woman missing from ferry

A major search operation is under way for a woman believed to have fallen from a ferry in the Irish Sea.

The alarm was raised just after 8.15am on Friday when the Isle of Inishmore ferry reported that a female passenger was believed to have gone overboard.

The vessel was travelling from Pembroke in Wales to Rosslare in Co Wexford, where it is currently berthed.

The UK Coastguard is leading the massive air and sea search and has sent its helicopter based at St Athan to help.

Two Irish Coastguard helicopters are also assisting and are currently searching the area alongside the Tenby, Llansteffan and St Govans Coastguard Rescue Teams, Angle inshore and all weather lifeboats as well as a Port Authority vessel.

Dyfed Powys Police and the PSNI are also involved and an alert has been sent to all boats passing through the area.

In a statement, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "A Mayday relay broadcast has been issued by UK Coastguard for all vessels passing through the area.

"So far nothing has been found.

"The search operation is continuing and we have no further information to release at this stage."