Rescuers were called to aid a woman in distress on a ferry.

There were unconfirmed reports that she had been in a distraught state outside of the ship.

It happened on Tuesday night as the DFDS vessel Delft Seaways was leaving Dover.

The ferry instantly turned back to port when the alarm was raised.

A posting on the Dover RNLI Facbook page said: “The Ferry made its way swiftly into Dover harbour.

“Dover lifeboat with the assistance of other emergency services stood off close to the ferry.
“Thankfully the situation was resolved.”

The Dover lifeboat City of London II was called out at 10.30pm and the crew went to the rescue under the command of Coxswain James Clapham.

The lifeboat returned to its station at 11.50pm.

DFDS said it could confirm that at incident did take place that night on the Dover to Dunkirk ferry.

A company spokesman said: “The ship’s crew, led by Captain Mark Miller, was able to ensure that the individual involved was returned safely to shore, under the care of the authorities.

“The management team at DFDS would like to extend their thanks to Captain Miller and his crew for their swift actions to resolve the situation.”

Further details from other emergency and rescue organisations are being sought.