'Massive search' held for woman thought to have fallen overboard from ferry in English Channel

A "massive search" was held this morning after a woman was reported missing from a ferry in the English Channel.

The passenger was believed to have gone missing from the Pride of Kent ferry, which was around six miles off the coast of Dover, just after 1.30am.

HM Coastguard said the search was launched after ferry crew told the Dover Coastguard that they feared the woman had gone overboard.

A helicopter from Lee-on-Solent, RNLI lifeboats from Dungeness, Dover and Walmer, along with a lifeboat from Calais and a tug boat from the Port of Dover were all involved in the search.

The ferry later arrived at Calais, where a head count was carried out.

A HM Coastguard spokesman said: "All crew and passengers, including the woman believed to be missing, have been accounted for safe and well.

"However, a witness on board the ferry insists they saw someone go overboard."

HM Coastguard said the search was stood down later in the morning after the area had been "extensively searched overnight and into this morning with nothing found."

Additional reporting by Press Association