A MAN was airlifted from the water this morning after reports a passenger had gone missing on a ferry from Belfast to Birkenhead.

With a Stena Line ferry transferring passengers across the Irish Sea earlier this morning (Saturday, January 20), an alarm was raised in regard to a missing passenger at around 8.15am.

It is believed that a man had fallen overboard and a coordinated search operation was subsequently carried out.

Coastguard, lifeboat, and rescue teams were all involved in the operation, which took about three hours to find the passenger.

He was airlifted by the HM Coastguard helicopter at around 11.20am and taken to hospital.

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Speaking about the incident, A HM Coastguard spokesperson said: "HM Coastguard coordinated the response to a report of a missing man from a passenger vessel off Liverpool.

"The alarm was raised at about 8.15am on 20 January and a search carried out.

"The HM Coastguard helicopter from Caernarfon was sent as well as RNLI all-weather lifeboats from Hoylake, Rhyl, Lytham St Annes and Llandudno.

"A man was airlifted from the water by the HM Coastguard helicopter at about 11.20am, transferred to an ambulance and taken to hospital.

"Crosby Coastguard Rescue Team assisted by securing a helicopter landing site. Merseyside Police were informed."