Search launched for Shetland ferry passenger A MAJOR search has been launched off the North east coast of Scotland for passenger feared to have been lost overboard from the Shetland passenger ferry. The search involves three lifeboats, an RAF search and rescue helicopter and a number of the North Sea service vessels. The search began shortly before 6.30am this morning after an adult passenger was reported missing from the NorthLink ferry Hjaltland during the vessel's overnight sailing from Lerwick to Aberdeen. It is understood the missing passenger was last seen on board the ferry around 4am. A spokesman for Aberdeen Coastguard. said the Aberdeen, Peterhead and Fraserburgh lifeboats had been launched to take part in the search and RAF Sea King helicopter had also been scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth. The Hjaltland has also retraced its route back toward Rattray Head near Peterhead in the search for the missing passenger. The Coastguard spokesmen said: "We got a call from the Hjaltland at 6.23 am reporting a passenger missing. The ferry was just North of Aberdeen at the time. The search area is extensive and runs from the North of Aberdeen up around towards Rattray Head. The weather is good with light winds, a slight sea and the visibility is good.