Search called off after man reported overboard from ferry

A major search operation for a man who is thought to have fallen overboard from a ferry into the Irish Sea has been called off.

The alarm was raised shortly after 2am when the crew of the Lagan Viking, en route from Belfast to Liverpool, reported man overboard 11 miles south of the Isle of Man.

Liverpool Coastguard was notified and co-ordinated the air and sea search.

Spokesperson Gerry Barker said that the operation has now been wound up and nothing had been found.