A MAJOR search operation sparked after a man was believed to have gone overboard from a Southampton-bound cruise ship has been called off.

Two lifeboats were deployed from Bembridge and Yarmouth, both on the Isle of Wight, in the early hours of Saturday to search for the passenger and helicopters from Portland in Dorset and Lee-on-the-Solent were also sent to help in the search.

The 25-nautical-mile search area was eight miles south of St Catherine’s Point on the Isle of Wight but a Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman told the Daily Echo these efforts have been called off.

The incident occurred onboard the Ventura Cruise Ship, which was on its last night at sea.

A spokesperson said: "We ask everyone around the area to keep a sharp lookout for the man, however, we have still been unable to locate him."

A passenger, who did not want to be identified, said: “It was a really eerie atmosphere onboard, everyone had gone up to the breakfast area and a lot of people are feeling strange.

“The last night of the cruise, was a really good atmosphere, everyone who was out was really quite happy.

“Events at night tend to finish at about 1am and there are a few places open throughout the night. We went to bed about midnight.

“I am very concerned about the person who has gone overboard, I feel worried and quite anxious. I hope they are alright.”

The ship was delayed by three hours before eventually returning to Southampton.

After the incident a P&O Cruises spokesman said: “Following reports of a missing person earlier this morning, Ventura conducted a full search of the area off the coast of the Isle of Wight.

“As a result of this search, which has now been handed over to the coastguard as is usual in these instances, Ventura’s scheduled arrival into Southampton this morning is delayed and it is anticipated that the ship will arrival at 12.30pm.

• Are you on the Ventura? Get in touch on 023 8042 4522 or newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk