Search for QE2 chef abandoned

The search for a chef missing from the QE2 has been called off.

The Indian-born breakfast chef did not report for work at 4.30am on Monday and a search of the ship failed to find him.

He is believed to have gone overboard 90 miles south west of Ireland as the Cunard ship headed for its home port of Southampton after leaving New York last week.

His chances of survival now are said to be very poor.

The chef, said to be "very quiet" and a non-drinker, was last seen at 1.30am asleep in his cabin.