Search called off for missing ferry passenger

An extensive air-and-sea search for a missing 22-year-old passenger from the Serco NorthLink ferry Hjaltland has been stood down.

After a 15-hour unsuccessful search around the coast of north-east Scotland, no trace of the  passenger was found.

Serco NorthLink said yesterday that the ferry turned back to assist in the search for the passenger, who was reported missing from the vessel early on Monday morning. He was last seen at 4am.

The ship, with 166 people on board, left Lerwick at 7pm on Sunday and was due in Aberdeen at 7am on Monday. It arrived in some hours later after taking part in the search.

The search involved Peterhead, Aberdeen and Fraserburgh lifeboats and two rescue helicopters. The rescue services were also assisted by a large number of other vessels which combed the area.