Search for man overboard suspended

The search for a man who went overboard from the Spirit of Tasmania I in Bass Strait has been suspended.

Victoria Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

A large-scale search was launched after passengers on the ferry saw the 45-year-old man falling into the water southeast of Port Phillip Head at 11.40pm on Friday.

Police said in a statement the decision to suspend the search was based on expert medical advice that the man could not have survived past midday, taking into account various factors including water temperature and weather conditions.

The two Spirit of Tasmania ferries would resume their schedules.