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Incident Summary
A multi-agency search and rescue operation was conducted in the Irish Sea after a person was reported to have entered the water from the passenger ferry European Highlander. The alert was raised at about 13:21 GMT on 12 February 2026 while the vessel was en route between Cairnryan, Scotland, and Larne, Northern Ireland. HM Coastguard deployed multiple rescue assets and other vessels assisted in the early stages. The search was stood down on the morning of 13 February 2026 with no trace of the missing person located.
Vessel Information
- Vessel Name: European Highlander
- Vessel Type: Ferry
- Operator/Cruise Line: P&O Ferries
- Flag State: Not specified
- Passengers on Board: Not specified
- Crew on Board: Not specified
Details of the Incident
The response commenced after reports that a person had gone overboard from European Highlander, a roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry operating on the P&O Ferries route between Cairnryan (Scotland) and Larne (Northern Ireland).
The alert was raised at approximately 13:21 GMT on 12 February 2026 while the vessel was underway across the Irish Sea.
Authorities reported that “extensive and thorough searches” were conducted. The coordinated search effort was suspended on Friday morning, 13 February 2026, with no trace of the missing individual located.
Injuries and Casualties
- Fatalities: Not specified
- Injuries: Not specified
- Passengers Affected: Not specified
Emergency Response
- HM Coastguard deployed rescue assets from Larne and Portmuck, including Coastguard rescue teams and RNLI all-weather lifeboats from Larne and Donaghadee, and an HM Coastguard helicopter.
- Not specified
- Not specified
Maritime Investigation
P&O Ferries stated it was assisting the relevant authorities with their enquiries following the suspension of the search operation. No further investigation details were specified.
- Not specified
- Not specified
Operator Response
P&O Ferries confirmed an incident occurred on board European Highlander while the vessel was underway and stated it was assisting the relevant authorities with their enquiries.
Conclusion
The multi-agency search and rescue operation in the Irish Sea was stood down on the morning of 13 February 2026 after extensive searches did not locate the reported person in the water. Enquiries by the relevant authorities were ongoing as stated by the operator, with no further updates specified in the source.