A major search and rescue operation has been launched after a man fell overboard from a cruise ship off the coast of Kent.

HM Coastguard is coordinating a search near Ramsgate after crew members reported that a man had gone overboard at around 8.55am.

A helicopter, a Coastguard aircraft and lifeboats are all part of the urgent operation in response to a crew member going overboard on the German AIDAperla cruise ship.

Male crew member confirmed missing as search and rescue operation launched off the coast of Kent

AIDA Cruises released a statement regarding the matter, saying: "The captain and crew of AIDAperla immediately initiated all necessary rescue measures in close coordination with the local authorities.

"The search on board confirmed that a male crew member is missing."

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard told the Mirror: "HM Coastguard is coordinating the search for a man reported overboard from a passenger ship off Ramsgate on 22 October. HM Coastguard was alerted at about 8.55am.

"The HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter has been sent from Lydd alongside a Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft and the RNLI's all-weather lifeboats from Ramsgate and Dover."

The cruise ship was reportedly travelling from the German city of Hamburg to Rotterdam in the Netherlands when the incident occurred.

More updates will follow as the situation develops.