A major search operation involving the Irish and British coast guards has been stood down after the body of an Irish Ferries passenger who fell overboard was recovered.

A statement from Dyfed Powys police said: “A body has been located in the Lawrenny area, Pembrokeshire, during the search for a missing female. The body has not been formally identified at this time.”

Just after 8.15am on Friday morning, the alarm was raised by the Irish Ferries vessel Isle of Inishmore that a female passenger was missing.

Two Irish Coast Guard helicopters, Rescue 117 and 187, assisted in the sea search, which was being co-ordinated by the UK coast guard.

A Mayday relay called had been issued for all vessels passing through the area. Conditions for the search were favourable, a Coast Guard spokesman said.

The ferry was sailing to Rosslare, having come from Pembroke in the UK.