A search and rescue operation was underway last night after a man fell overboard from a cargo ship.

The 42-year-old, believed to be a Russian national, is a crew member aboard the Baltic Melody, a Liberian-registered vessel.

The 2,000 gross ton refrigerated cargo ship was en route from the Mediterranean to the US when the man was reported overboard about 250 miles north of Bermuda.

A Bermuda Maritime Operations spokesman said last night: "He was reported missing between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. this morning.

"The ship contacted us and we've been working with the US Coast Guard and a couple of other ships in the area to try and locate this person.

"The Coast Guard has sent a search plane and we are making urgent broadcasts to ships in the area to assist the Baltic Melody."