Update 4.18pm: Rescuers searching for a ferry passenger believed to have gone overboard in the Irish Sea have found a body.
The UK Coastguard said a woman’s body had been located in the Lawrenny area of Pembrokeshire.
A statement said: “Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that a body has been located in the Lawrenny area, Pembrokeshire, during the search for a missing female.
“The body has not been formally identified at this time.
“Dyfed-Powys Police officers are working closely with specialist recovery teams from HM Coastguard and the ambulance service to recover the female body.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.”
Two Irish Coastguard helicopters, Tenby, Llansteffan and St Govans Coastguard Rescue Teams, Angle inshore and all-weather lifeboats and a Port Authority vessel also assisted in the operation alongside Dyfed Police and officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Update 1.45pm: The Irish Coastguard says a person has been taken from the water by authorities searching for a woman in the Irish Sea.
It is believed she went overboard on a ferry travelling to Rosslare in the Pembroke channel after being reported missing this morning.
The operation is being co-ordinated by UK authorities.
Earlier:
A major search operation is underway for a woman who has disappeared from a ferry in the Irish Sea.
It is believed she went overboard in the Pembroke channel.
UK Coastguard was contacted just after 8.15am by the ferry, who reported a female passenger was missing and was believed to have gone overboard.
The Irish Coastguard has confirmed it has sent two helicopters to assist in the search, which is being co-ordinated by UK authorities.
The UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at St Athan and an Irish Coastguard helicopter are currently searching the area along with the Tenby, Llansteffan and St Govans Coastguard Rescue Teams, Angle inshore and all weather lifeboats and a Port Authority vessel.
Dyfed Powys Police and the PSNI are also involved in the search operation.
The ferry is now berthed in Rosslare.
The UK Coastguard has issued an alert to all vessels passing through the area.
