An extensive search of the Channel by several aircraft has ended without finding any trace of the passenger suspected of going overboard on a scheduled Condor sailing between the UK and the islands.

Condor Ferries says its thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who is believed to have gone overboard from its Commodore Clipper vessel somewhere in the English Channel on Saturday.

It only became clear that the passenger was missing after fellow travelers had disembarked when the ferry reached St Helier. The vessel had sailed in the daytime from Portsmouth, via Guernsey, to Jersey. It arrived in there late on Saturday evening (22).

Initial investigations carried out by Guernsey and Jersey coastguards, police and border agency officers indicated that the person may have gone overboard.

Guernsey Ports say that on Sunday (23) a large scale search of the English Channel was led by HM Coastguard. Aircraft from England, France and the Guernsey based Channel Islands Air Search were involved. They scanned the Channel between the Isle of Wight and Guernsey, but no one was seen. The search was called off on Sunday afternoon.

Guernsey’s Assistant Harbour Master James Way said:

“An extensive area was searched as we did not know exactly when or where the person may have entered the water. As the survival time for someone in the water in normal clothing has now expired, the search has been terminated. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the missing person at this difficult time”.

A Condor Ferries spokesperson said their thoughts too were with the friends and family of the person believed missing. 

“We have been working closely with all authorities to try and locate the missing passenger, which included an extensive search of Commodore Clipper following her arrival in Jersey yesterday evening.”