Search continues for person missing from ferry in Irish Sea

An extensive search operation is underway in the Irish Sea for an individual believed to have gone overboard from a ferry. The alarm was raised on Monday morning after a report that a man may have fallen from a passenger vessel during an overnight crossing between Dublin and Holyhead.

The search is centered approximately 40 kilometers east of the Baily lighthouse at Howth Head. The operation is being coordinated by the UK Coast Guard at Holyhead, with significant resources deployed. These include Coast Guard Helicopter 116 and RNLI lifeboats from Dún Laoghaire, which took over from the Howth lifeboat. Additionally, RNLI lifeboats from Holyhead and Porthdinllaen, along with a coast guard aeroplane, were dispatched to the scene.

Nearby vessels have also been alerted and are assisting in the search efforts. North Wales Police and An Garda Síochána, the national police force of Ireland, have been informed of the situation. The Department of Transport confirmed on Monday evening that the search operation was continuing.

The exact circumstances surrounding the person going overboard are still under investigation. The ferry involved was on a routine overnight crossing between the Irish capital and the Welsh port. The coordinated response involves multiple maritime and police agencies from both the UK and Ireland, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

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An HM Coastguard helicopter and aeroplane were sent as well as RNLI lifeboats from Holyhead, Porthdinllaen and Howth. A broadcast was also made and nearby vessels assisted.