An extensive search of the Irish Sea has been stood down after authorities received a report that a man may have gone overboard from a passenger vessel travelling between Dublin and Holyhead.
HM Coastguard said no one was found during the operation, which involved rescue aircraft, lifeboats and nearby vessels. The response ended at approximately midnight, pending any new information.
The ferry and its operator have not been identified publicly. Authorities have also not confirmed that anybody entered the water, making it important to describe the incident as a report of concern rather than a confirmed overboard case.
Report received on Monday morning
HM Coastguard said it received the report at approximately 9.15am on Monday, 24 August 2026. The concern related to a man who may have gone overboard during an overnight passenger crossing between Dublin and Holyhead.
The coastguard coordinated the response from Holyhead. An HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft were deployed, together with RNLI lifeboats from Holyhead, Porthdinllaen and Howth.
An Irish Coast Guard helicopter also joined the operation. A maritime broadcast was issued and nearby vessels assisted with the search.
Reports placed the main search area at approximately 40 kilometres east of the Baily lighthouse at Howth Head.
Search stood down without anyone being found
Search activity continued throughout Monday and into the night. HM Coastguard said the extensive operation was stood down at approximately midnight after no one had been located.
The response remains subject to any new information. No further search was announced in the statements available on Tuesday morning.
North Wales Police was informed of the incident. Earlier reporting also said An Garda Síochána had been notified.
British and Irish agencies involved
The operation brought together rescue resources from both sides of the Irish Sea. The Irish Department of Transport confirmed that the Irish Coast Guard had been alerted by HM Coastguard, which retained coordination of the search.
Irish Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter 116 and RNLI crews from Howth and Dún Laoghaire were among the Irish resources reported to have taken part. The Dún Laoghaire lifeboat later relieved the Howth crew.
On the British side, coastguard aircraft and RNLI crews from Holyhead and Porthdinllaen participated in the operation.
Vessel has not been identified
No official statement seen by Deck7 names the passenger vessel or its operator. More than one ferry company serves routes across the Irish Sea, and Deck7 will not attribute the incident to a particular ship or business without confirmation.
There has also been no public explanation of the circumstances that prompted the initial report of concern.
Deck7 will update this report if the authorities release material new information about the missing person, the vessel involved or any further search activity.