Police appeal over missing ferry passenger

Police yesterday appealed for help in identifying a man who fell overboard from a ferry.

The search for the man, who fell from the Rosslare to Pembroke Dock Irish Ferry at about 10.30pm on Saturday, was called off early yesterday.

A French warship and its helicopter, which were off the coast of west Wales where the man disappeared, had helped in the search.

Milford Haven Coastguard said they received a message that he fell overboard from the Isle of Inishmore ferry, 18-and-a-half nautical miles west-north-west of St David's Head.

The ferry marked the position where the man had fallen with a smoke marker and deployed its fast rescue craft to begin an immediate search.

Other vessels travelling in the area, including the warship, also joined the search.

But Milford Haven Coastguard Watch Manager Mark Harrington said: "Despite the air and sea search, sadly we have been unable to find this man. The ferry has now continued on its voyage."

The search was called off at around 12.30am today and the matter handed over to police.

Inspector Wyn Evans, of Dyfed Powys Police appealed for the public's help in identifying the man.

"He is described as a white male, aged in his mid 30s, approximately 5ft 8in tall and of medium build.

"He has short dark-coloured hair and was clean shaven. He was not wearing glasses at the time this happened.

"He was wearing a black-coloured jacket, possibly a leather one. He had light-coloured jeans on and black shoes. He was carrying a large black-coloured rucksack."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dyfed Powys Police on 0845 3302000.