Search operation underway for missing ferry crewman

An extensive search at sea has been underway overnight after a crewman was reported missing from the Serco NorthLInk ferry Hjaltland shortly after leaving Aberdeen.

HM Coastguard was contacted by the Hjaltland just after 11pm last night reporting a missing person off north-east Scotland.

The ferry had left Aberdeen at 7pm in bound for Lerwick. The HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Inverness was sent to the area along with RNLI lifeboats from Peterhead and Fraserburgh. Mayday relay broadcasts were issued and a number of vessels in the area also joined the search.

The search was scaled back earlier this morning, allowing the helicopter and lifeboats to refuel, while vessels in the area continued to keep a look out.

The HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Inverness, and lifeboats from Peterhead and Aberdeen are now continuing the search.
HM Coastguard will also continue to issue Mayday relay broadcasts to vessels in the area.

In a statement this morning the ferry company said that the next of kin of the missing crewman have been informed.

It added: “All our passengers have been accounted for and are safe and well. The relevant authorities have been informed and ferry operator Serco is liaising with HM Coastguard and Police Scotland.”