Man who went missing from NorthLink ferry named by police

Police have named the man reported missing from the Hjaltland ferry off the north-east coast of Scotland as 22-year-old Craig Townsley.

A major search-and-rescue effort involving helicopters, lifeboats and commercial vessels was stood down at around 8.30pm last night after failing to trace Mr Townsley.

He was last seen on board the ferry, en route from Lerwick to Aberdeen, at around 3.30am on Monday.

When the alert was raised shortly before 6.30am, the Hjaltland turned round and retraced its route back up along the east coast towards Peterhead. Passengers were interviewed by police when the ship eventually docked in Aberdeen shortly before midday yesterday.

Detective inspector Stewart Mackie said: “Our officers are still treating this as a missing person enquiry which remains ongoing. However our initial enquiries indicate that Mr Townsley may have gone overboard.”

Mr Townsley’s family have been made aware of developments, the Police Scotland statement added.