The search for a crewmen, feared to have gone overboard from a ferry, was suspended last night.
The Coastguard was called by the MV Hjaltland just after 11pm on Wednesday with reports of missing person Charlie Gibson, from Orkney.
The Northlink Ferries-operated boat was travelling from Aberdeen to Lerwick when it stopped near Peterhead and turned back to search.
Charlie was last seen at around 9:10pm on Wednesday and is described by police as 5’7’’ in height with short, balding dark hair and is of slim build and has slight facial stubble.
When last seen, he was wearing a navy blue uniform with the NorthLink Ferries logo and glasses.
A search of the boat was carried out overnight and the Coastguard also assisted with searches.
Shetland Area Commander Chief Inspector Lindsay Tulloch said: “We are continuing our enquiries to trace Charlie and would urge anyone who may have information to contact us.
“We have spoken to passengers who were on board the ferry today and have continued with searches.
“If Charlie is reading this, we would urge him to get in touch to let us know that he is safe and well.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
The search was joined by the lifeboats from Fraserburgh and Peterhead as well as around 30 nearby vessels, but the ferry continued its journey north after nothing was found.
Efforts to trace Mr Gibson resumed at 10am yesterday with the lifeboats from Aberdeen, Fraserburgh and Peterhead scouring the sea.
However, after nearly seven hours spent combing the area, the second search was suspended pending further information.
A spokeswoman for Northlink Ferries said Mr Gibson’s next of kin had been informed and all the passengers had been accounted for.
She added: “NorthLink Ferries can confirm that a search is ongoing for one crew member who is reported unaccounted for on the MV Hjaltland which left Aberdeen at 7pm on Wednesday, June 27, bound for Lerwick.
“His next of kin have been informed. All our passengers have been accounted for and are safe and well.
“The relevant authorities have been informed and ferry operator Serco is liaising with HM Coastguard and Police Scotland.”
Last night’s southbound sailing from Lerwick left at 9pm instead of 7pm.
Gary Homewood was part of the crew onboard the Peterhead lifeboat during the initial search effort and said visibility was the main issue.
Mr Homewood added: “There were 33 vessels involved in the search and they were split between ourselves and Fraserburgh.
“So at one point we had 16 vessels under control to conduct the search.
“The weather conditions were not in our favour as it was mostly zero visibility and you couldn’t see.”
A Coastguard spokesman said: “The search was resumed by the lifeboats from Aberdeen, Fraserburgh and Peterhead this morning.
“We also had the Coastguard helicopter from Inverness and the offshore industry search and rescue helicopter from Aberdeen.
“The search has been suspended pending further information.”
