A man feared dead after he is believed to have fallen from a ferry has been named as Richard Fearnside.

The 30-year-old, of Clare Road, Whitstable, is thought to have plunged into the sea while having a cigarette on deck during a cross-Channel crossing.

The alarm was raised by his girlfriend after there was no sign of him when the P&O's Pride of Kent ship docked at Dover after the trip from Calais.

His disappearance last Tuesday sparked a huge manhunt involving Dover lifeboat, an RAF rescue helicopter and the Royal Navy ship HMS Tyne.

The search operation was called to an end after four hours because of difficult weather conditions, with poor visibility and drizzle.

Police have confirmed they are treating the incident as a missing person investigation and are not looking to speak to anyone else in connection with the disappearance.

Investigators say they are satisfied there are no suspicious circumstances.

An image of Mr Fearnside was released by his family today.

It is feared he could not have survived if he had fallen into the water at some point during the crossing.

Pete Legg, deputy launching authority at Dover RNLI, said: “It is unlikely someone could survive in the water for that amount of time at this time of year.”

Ferry operator P&O would not comment on the disappearance.

Richard is described as white, of slim build, 5ft 8in tall, with short, cropped, mousey-coloured hair. When last seen he was wearing a black hooded top, blue t-shirt, blue jeans and black and white trainers.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to phone Acting Detective Sergeant Richard Lown on 101, quoting reference number 21-48.