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A major air and sea search is being carried out for a crewman reported missing from a NorthLink ferry off the Aberdeenshire coast.

The man has been named as Alistair Gibson, known as Charlie, who is aged 58 and from Orkney.

The alert was raised on the Hjaltland - which was sailing from Aberdeen to Lerwick - on Wednesday night.

The coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Inverness and RNLI lifeboats joined the search.

Mayday broadcasts are also being made.

NorthLink said the Mr Gibson's next of kin had been informed.

Police in Shetland completed a search of the ferry after it arrived in Lerwick on Thursday afternoon.

Ch Insp Lindsay Tulloch said: "We are continuing our inquiries to trace Alistair and would urge anyone who may have information to contact us.

"We have spoken to passengers who were on board the ferry today and have continued with searches today.

"If Alistair is reading this, we would urge him to get in touch to let us know that he is safe and well.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland."

Mr Gibson, who is 5ft 7in tall, has dark hair and wears glasses, was last seen at about 21:10 on Wednesday.

He wearing a navy blue uniform with the NorthLink Ferries logo.