Search goes on for missing ferry passenger

Serco NorthLink say that the ferry Hjaltland has turned back to assist the coastguard with a search for a passenger reported missing from the vessel earlier this morning.

The ship, with 166 people on board, left Lerwick at 7pm yesterday and was due in to Aberdeen at 7am this morning.

The passenger was last seen at 4am and a search, involving a number of lifeboats and helicopters, is concentrating on an area off Peterhead.

No further details are available, but the company said that its prime concern is for the safety of the missing passenger and all those on board the vessel.