The alert was raised about half ten last night when the Isle of Inishmore was about eighteen and a half miles off the coast of Wales.

The ferry launched a rescue craft and a French warship and its helicopter, which were in the area also helped search the area but no trace was found of the man.

A French warship and its helicopter, which were in the area, had helped search for the man reported missing about 10.30pm.

Milford Haven Coastguard said they received a message that he fell overboard from the Isle of Inishmore ferry, which had been travelling from Rosslare to Fishguard, 18-and-a-half nautical miles west-north-west of St David's Head.

The ferry marked the position where the man had fallen with a smoke marker and deployed its fast rescue craft to begin an immediate search.

Other vessels travelling in the area, including the warship, also joined the search.

Milford Haven Coastguard Watch Manager Mark Harrington said, "Despite the air and sea search, sadly we have been unable to find this man. The ferry has now continued on its voyage.''

The search was called off at around 12.30am today and the matter handed over to

police.