POLICE in Poole are seeking the public’s help as they investigate the disappearance of a passenger from a Condor ferry.

Sarah Fenton, aged 39, of Fishponds, Bristol, was last seen by her husband onboard the Condor Rapide at around 5.30pm on Sunday.

An extensive search co-ordinated by Portland Coastguard was called off after five hours and will not resume.

Detective Inspector Becky Riggs of Poole Police said: “Sarah’s family are very concerned about her and we are investigating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen Sarah on the ferry to contact me urgently.”

The fast ferry, with 264 passengers and 89 vehicles on board, was en route to Poole from Guernsey when the passenger’s husband raised the alarm at 5.35pm, after missing her for around 40 minutes.

A search by lifeboat, plane and helicopter was called off at 10pm. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the temperature of the water was the main reason for abandoning the hunt.

“We have searched the route of the ship and the areas where our search planning expertise indicate a person might have been carried by the tide.

“Sadly we have found no-one,” said Nigel Robson, Portland Coastguard watch manager.

Captain Fran Collins, operations director of Condor Ferries said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of the passenger at this difficult time.

“We will continue to work in close co-operation with all the authorities involved to ascertain the full circumstances.”