Fears for man missing from ferry

Mr Gamble was said to be depressed

Fears are growing for the safety of a man who disappeared while onboard a North Sea ferry.

It is thought Simon Mark Gamble, 31, from Gateshead, may have fallen into the water.

Police believe he had travelled alone on a two night DFDS Seaways cruise to Amsterdam, which left the Tyne on Saturday.

Crews raised the alarm when the ferry docked at North Shields on Monday, after finding Mr Gamble's luggage and passport in a cabin.

Personal problems

Chief Inspector Derek Scott, from Northumbria Police, said they were extremely concerned about his welfare.

He said: "We have had close contact with his family and they have told us that he has not been particularly well recently.

"He has been depressed and concerned about various things going on in his private and personal life.

"They are extremely concerned, as are we, because it is completely out of character for him."

A spokesman for DFDS Seaways said it was working working closely with police.