A major search is under way for a man reported to have fallen overboard from a cruise ship off the east coast of Scotland.
HM Coastguard said a man was reported overboard from a vessel around 36 nautical miles east of Arbroath, Angus, at around 8.35am on Friday.
Search and rescue efforts
A coastguard helicopter and aeroplane are involved in the search, as are RNLI lifeboats from Anstruther and Broughty Ferry, and coastguard rescue teams from Dundee, Arbroath and St Andrews.
A commercial search-and-rescue helicopter and several nearby vessels are also assisting with searches.
Ship docks in Dundee
Ambassador Cruise Line said the ship, named Ambition, was en route from Lerwick to Dundee when it was found that a guest was not where they were expected to be.
The vessel has now docked in Dundee and guests were allowed to disembark after a thorough ship-wide search was carried out.
An Ambassador Cruise Line spokesperson said: “Ambassador follows stringent search-and-rescue protocols in line with international maritime safety standards.
“We continue to work in close collaboration with the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), The Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Police Scotland as the investigation continues.
“Ambassador remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of all our guests and crew.
“As a result of this development, today’s turnaround operation in Dundee was slightly delayed.
“However, guests due to travel on board Ambition should make their way to the port as per their embarkation schedule.”
Police statement
Police Scotland said they were alerted to the incident on Friday morning.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A search-and-rescue operation is currently being carried out by HM Coastguard, but the man remains missing.
“His next of kin is aware.”
