The search for a man who went overboard from an East by West ferry on the Wellington Harbour this morning has been suspended.
The ferry was travelling towards Days Bay, Eastbourne from Queens Wharf and left just after 6am.
In a statement, a police spokesperson told 1News police are “urgently seeking information to assist in identifying this person”.
The man is described as being in his 40s, fair skinned, around 180cm tall with darker hair.
East by West Ferries general manager Mat Jonsson told 1News the crew of the ferry issued a mayday call and began the search as they became aware the passenger was missing upon arrival in Days Bay.
“We called in a second harbour ferry to assist with the search, which was joined by other vessels responding to the mayday.”
The ferry operator was assisting the search from the water and the shore.
“All of our available resources are involved.”
The search involved up to 14 vessels and a rescue helicopter at its peak.
“Unfortunately, the man has not been located and active searching has been temporarily suspended pending a review,” Detective Senior Sergeant Rachael Boyd said in an update this evening.
“If you have just got home and have a family member or friend who matches this description who has not returned home as expected, please contact police.”
Conditions on the harbour this morning were very still, Jonsson said, and the ferry was mostly secure for passenger safety.
“The main cabin of the vessel involved is fully enclosed, and the top deck has barriers around the passenger area to stop someone accidentally falling overboard.”
Services would not be resuming today.