Man overboard from Galveston ferry

Ferry service between Galveston and Bolivar was shutdown Monday morning while authorities searched for a man who apparently jumped overboard hours earlier.

The incident happened about 7:10 a.m. Monday as the John. W. Johnson ferry was crossing from Galveston to Bolivar, according to the Coast Guard.

Officials said the man apparently leaped into the water as the ferry was midway in the crossing at the Galveston Ship Channel. The ferry crew turned around the ferry and searched for him but were unable to find him.

Coast Guard rescue boats, a helicopter and launch from a nearby cargo ship are searching the water for him. So far, the crews have found no sign of the man. The Galveston Ship Channel is closed between buoys 14 and 18 while crews comb the area.

The man is described as being in his 40s or 50s. He was wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans.

Officials said they believe the man walked on board the ferry. After the Coast Guard arrived at the scene, the ferry was allowed to continue to Bolivar.

The ferry in both directions has been stopped while crews search for the man. Also, Broadway/Highway 87 has been closed in both directions near the ferry landing while the search continues.