A massive search has been launched for a passenger who is believed to have fallen from a cruise ship docked in Dundee. Ambassador Large Cruise Lines said the captain of the MS Ambition raised the alarm after a man was reported missing before arriving in the town from Lerwick earlier. Lifeboat and coastguard crews, as well as air support, have been sent as part of the search.

A Scotland Police spokesman said the man's next of kin were aware and investigations were ongoing. BBC Scotland News understands that the passenger's luggage was still on board the plane and his bed had not been slept in. Oneof the passengers said that the tannoy announcement had repeatedly mentioned the name of a particular passenger onFridaymorning.

The Alarm sounded on board the ship at approximately 08:35, approximately 36 nautical miles from Arbroath. MS Ambition was previously hired by the Scottish authorities to provide temporary housing for Ukrainianrefugees

Thoseon board were initially prohibited from leaving the ship, although they were finally allowed to disembark at around 11:30. The Ship docked in Dundee after a two-week tour of Shetland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

Coastguard aircraft from Prestwick and Carlisle have been deployed to assist with the search along with a “commercial” search and rescue helicopter. Lifeboat crews from Anstruther and Broughty Ferry as well as Guardian Coast rescue teams from Dundee, Arbroath and St Andrews were also involved, with support from nearby ships. A spokesperson for Ambassador said it was following "strict search and rescue protocols" and working closely with the coast guard and police.

They added: "Ambassador Ambassador remains committed to the safety and well-being of all our guests and crew."

Forth Ports, which manages the Port of Dundee, said: "We have been alerted to a problem on the cruise ship Ambition while it was at sea. Illustration.