A MAN has died after falling overboard a ferry and being airlifted from the water.

Earlier this morning (Saturday, January 20), an alarm was raised over a missing passenger on a Stena Line ferry that left Belfast for Birkenhead.

It is believed that the passenger fell overboard and a multi-agency search operation was launched at around 8.15am, with the passenger found and airlifted from the water around three hours later.

After being taken to hospital, Merseyside Police have confirmed that the man has now died following the incident.

Officers say that the 44-year-old's next of kin, who was from North Wales, has been contacted and enquiries into the incident have been carried out.

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A previous statement from the HM Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard coordinated the response to a report of a missing man from a passenger vessel off Liverpool.

"The alarm was raised at about 8.15am on 20 January and a search carried out.

"The HM Coastguard helicopter from Caernarfon was sent as well as RNLI all-weather lifeboats from Hoylake, Rhyl, Lytham St Annes and Llandudno.

"A man was airlifted from the water by the HM Coastguard helicopter at about 11.20am, transferred to an ambulance and taken to hospital.

"Crosby Coastguard Rescue Team assisted by securing a helicopter landing site. Merseyside Police were informed."