Authorities have called off a search in waters around the Åland islands for a passenger feared to have fallen off the M/S Baltic Princess ferry on Friday.
The Coast Guard of Western Finland announced on Twitter on Friday at around 9:30 am that a search for the passenger was underway. However, just before noon, the authority said it had ended the search unsuccessfully.
The search was carried out with cooperation of a Coast Guard patrol boat from Åland's capital, Mariehamn, as well as a rescue helicopter and a nearby Coast Guard patrol vessel.
A number of Turku University economics students were taking a cruise on the ship.
The Coast Guard of Western Finland told Yle the individual's suspected fall from the ship took place at around 3 am on Friday.
The ferry's staff was initially informed about a missing person, resulting in a search of the boat.
The head of the Coast Guard sea rescue services in the region, Jim Kvarnström, said it remained unclear whether the person fell or jumped off the ferry.
He noted that an eyewitness said the individual was seen climbing structures at the stern of the ship and ended up in the water, adding that there was no further information to offer.
Authorities were notified about the incident at around 7 am, according to Kvarnström.
The patrol ship Uisko was headed to the area where the suspected incident occurred, but will not be actively searching for a person in the water.
Police are aware of the missing person's identity and will issue an update about the case later.
