Passenger missing from NorthLink ferry

THREE lifeboats, a Sea King helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth and two commercial vessels are involved in the search for a missing passenger from the NorthLink ferry Hjaltland.

The ferry was on her regular sailing from Lerwick to Aberdeen when the alarm was raised at about 4am.

A search of the vessel was organised but the passenger wasn’t found.

Lifeboats from Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Aberdeen were called out at around 6.30am.

The Hjaltland has been retracing her route up the northeast coast, but has now turned around and is due to arrive in Aberdeen at 11.15am, according to Serco NorthLink.

A spokeswoman for the company said: “The MV Hjaltland, with 166 people on board, left Lerwick at 7pm yesterday and was due in to Aberdeen at 7am today (Monday).

“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’s prime concern is for the safety of the missing passenger and all those on board the vessel.”