26/02/2014

Search For Ferry Jumpers Called Off

A search for two people thought to have jumped from a ferry has been called off.

Police were alerted at about 10:40 on Wednesday morning following reports that two people had gone overboard approximately a mile off Harwich.

Stena Line have confirmed that two passengers are missing from the Stena Britannica ferry, travelling from Harwich to the Hook of Holland.

The identities of the missing passengers has not yet been confirmed.

Thames Coastguard led a search operation involving a police helicopter, RAF Search and Rescue helicopter, RNLI lifeboats and coastguard teams.

The operation was stood down at 13:30.

A statement released by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "A thorough search of the area has been carried out but nothing found.

"Unless new information comes to light, search and rescue units have now been stood down."

(MH/JP)

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