A prolonged search co-ordinated by Milford Haven Coastguard took place in the Milford Haven waterway in the early hours of this morning for a missing person from a ferry on passage from Rosslare to Pembroke Dock.

The alarm was raised at 00:27 a.m. by the Captain of the commercial passenger vessel 'Isle of Inishmore', requesting assistance for a man overboard.

Milford Haven Coastguard scrambled Rescue helicopter 169 from RAF Chivenor; a request was made to launch Angle all weather lifeboat and the Police Rib M33. Numerous vessels responded to a broadcast made by Milford Haven Port Control, which included pilot vessels, tugs and a tanker.

Julie Wood Watch Manager, Milford Haven Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre says: "A thorough search of the waterway was carried out and at 02:22 a.m. the casualty was sighted by the vessel 'Sara Grey' (tug) and recovered by the Rescue helicopter on scene. The Casualty was then taken to Withybush Hospital.

I would like to thank all units involved for their prompt action and the search effort that was brought into action so quickly."

Maritime & Coastguard Agency

Last Updated ( Thursday, 23 November 2006 )