Sea search called off

A SEARCH of the Irish Sea has been today called off, say coastguards. It was launched yesterday afternoon, Thursday, after reports of a person falling overboard from a ferry, which was crossing from Larne to Cairnryan. Explaining more, a HM Coastguard spokesperson said: "At 1.21pm on 12 February, HM Coastguard responded to reports of a man overboard from a passenger vessel travelling between Larne and Stranraer. "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." And a spokesperson for 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."