Mystery as woman vanishes after boarding ferry but didn't get off the other end

27 July 2023 , 12:42

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Mystery as woman vanishes after boarding ferry but didn't get off the other end

A desperate search has been launched after a woman vanished on board a ferry - but didn't get off at the final destination. Police have launched an appeal in a bid to find Ebla Yusuf, who disappeared while travelling on the Condor Clipper ferry from Portsmouth to Jersey.

They are now left fearing she fell overboard, after the service also stopped on the Channel Island of Guernsey and there was nothing to suggest she disembarked either there or in Jersey. Jersey police said she boarded in Portsmouth on Saturday, July 22 on foot with the last sighting of her on the ferry at around 2pm while still in UK waters.

Today the Channel Islands' police forces issued a joint statement confirming her identity.

A spokesperson said: "There is nothing to indicate that Ebla disembarked in Guernsey or Jersey and after arrival in Jersey the crew conducted a full search of the boat and Ebla was not found.

"Police in both Jersey and Guernsey would like to speak to anyone who may have spoken to Ebla before or during the journey. Any information could assist the on-going search enquiries."

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Anyone with information is being asked to contact Jersey police on 612612 or Guernsey police on 01481 222222.

Elsewhere in the UK, sailor Duncan Lougee remains missing after his yacht was found drifting with nobody on board. Mr Lougee, from Essex, went missing after setting sail from Plymouth at midday on June 18.

He was due to arrive in Baltimore, Ireland, on June 22, but there had been no contact since his departure, prompting a search to be launched. The search was called off after the sailor’s yacht was found off the coast of Cornwall on Thursday. Mr Lougee was not on board, the UK Marine and Coastguard Agency said.

Duncan Lougee was due to arrive in Baltimore, Ireland, on June 22, but there had been no contact since his departure (Ipswich Star / SWNS)

His boat was found 70 miles (113km) north west off Trevose Head. Mr Lougee, who lived in Dedham near Colchester, was taking part in the single-handed sailing challenge. He has previously completed the same trip successfully and was planning to sail the route via the Isles of Scilly.

The UK Marine & Coastguard Agency said: “The search for the yacht Minke and its skipper, who was taking part in the single-handed Jester Challenge, from Plymouth to Baltimore, Ireland, has been stood down.

“The yacht was found on 29 June approximately 70 miles north-west off Trevose Head, Cornwall; sadly the skipper was not on the vessel."

Tom Bevan