A major search operation has been launched after reports a man went overboard from a cruise ship near Scotland.

Police Scotland received a report a man had gone overboard from a cruise ship in the North Sea, around 40 nautical miles from Anstruther, Fife, at around 8.55am on Friday, the force said.

A major search and rescue operation is underway alongside HM coastguard, and the man remains missing, a spokesperson confirmed.

In a statement, the force said: “Around 8.55am on Friday, 21 August, 2026, police received a report a man had gone overboard from a cruise ship in the North Sea, 40 nautical miles from Anstruther, Fife.

“A search and rescue operation is currently being carried out by HM Coastguard, but the man remains missing. His next of kin is aware.

“Police enquiries remain ongoing”

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