British man 'falls overboard' from Mediterranean ferry sparking major search

File photo: The man disappeared from the Balearia ferry on Friday (Picture: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

A major search operation has been launched after it is feared a British man fell overboard from a Mediterranean ferry.

The 30-year-old reportedly disappeared from the ship, which was travelling between Ibiza and Palma, around 7am on Friday.

He was last seen onboard the Balearia Hypatia of Alexandria ferry around 5am.

A rescue helicopter and two boats are searching for the man, while a French plane which was in the area is also lending its support, according to local news site Diario de Mallorca.

.@salvamentogob activa recerca a la mar d'un home de 30 anys de nacionalitat britànica que ha caigut a l'aigua des del vaixell de @Balearia que cobreix la ruta d' Eivissa a Palma.

— Emergències 112 Illes Balears (@112IllesBalears)

March 22, 2019

Búsqueda de un hombre de nacionalidad británica, desaparecido del ferry Hypatia de Alejandría @Balearia, que cubría ruta de #biza a #Palma. Movilizados Helimer 215, Guardamar Calíope, Salvamar Acrux, avión francés, avión SAR @EjercitoAire y Cuco @guardiacivil.

— SALVAMENTO MARÍTIMO (@salvamentogob)

March 22, 2019

The Spanish Maritime Safety and Rescue Society tweeted: “Search for a man of British nationality, disappeared from the ferry Hypatia of Alexandria, which covered route of Ibiza to Palma.

“Mobilized Helimer 215, Guardamar Calliope, Marina Acrux, French plane, SAR plane and Guardia Civil.”