Search for missing man in North Sea

A search is ongoing in the North Sea to trace a missing man who could not be found on board a rig.

Police received reports a 49-year-old man who had been working on the Noble Lloyd Noble installation could not be located on board.

Around 9.20pm on Tuesday police were alerted to the news on board a rig which is located in Mariner Field approximately 90 miles east of Shetland.

Following initial searches of the installation, a search involving a rescue helicopter, the Coastguard, two supply vessels and a platform supply vessel began.

Inspector Steve McEwan of Police Scotland said: An extensive search of the rig itself and the water surrounding it is ongoing, led by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

This involves the use of a search and rescue helicopter, two standby vessels and a platform supply vessel

We are working closely with the companies involved and next of kin to keep them informed of any developments.''

A spokeswoman for Noble Drilling says all operations on the rig have been stood down while the search is carried out.

Statoil has mobilised emergency response teams in Aberdeen and Stavanager to help.