Search for 22-year old passenger continues

THE SEARCH for a 22-year old man missing from the NorthLink passenger ferry Hjaltland is ongoing in an area off Peterhead.

The man was reported missing at around 4am prompting crew and security personnel to initially carry out a thorough search of the ferry.

Aberdeen Coastguard immediately launched three lifeboats – Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Aberdeen – and the RAF Sea King helicopter from Lossiemouth when alerted a 6.23am. A number of commercial vessels are also involved in the search.

The Hjaltland also turned around to retrace her route for a while but has since docked at Aberdeen harbour.

Police are carrying out interviews with all 166 passengers and crew on board.

The Hjaltland is due to leave Aberdeen for Lerwick at 7pm on Monday night.

A spokeswoman for Serco NorthLink 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.”