POLICE in Holland are liaising with counterparts in Derbyshire to solve the mystery surrounding a woman who vanished on board a ferry to Rotterdam.
Teresa Cowley, 43, from Mickleover, boarded the Pride of Rotterdam ferry at Hull with her husband two days after Christmas.
Police said Mrs Cowley and her husband had been enjoying drinks at the ferry bar before her disappearance.
The couple, of Devonshire Drive, returned to their cabin.
The door key was not working so Mr Cowley went to reception and left his wife sitting outside the cabin.
CCTV footage and witness accounts show Mrs Cowley go alone to the Deck 11 Sun Lounge on the ship shortly after 1am on Friday, December 28.
She did not return.
Searches of the ship were carried out but failed to locate Mrs Cowley, who has since been reported missing.
Last night Mr Cowley was back at his home.
Speaking at his doorstep, he said: "I've only just got back and I've had a lot of phone calls from people telling me the story is all over the news but I don't want to say any more."
A spokesman from P&O Ferries said the ferry was searched "top to bottom" after it was realised that Mrs Cowley was missing.
"We are continuing to work with the police to find out what has happened to this lady.
"As every day goes by it gets more concerning. What her poor husband must be going through is anyone's guess."
Mrs Cowley is medium build, around 5ft 4in tall, with black bobbed hair with red highlights.
She was last seen wearing a grey jumper, black leggings and black boots.
She has several tattoos, including the words Mrs Cowley written on her forearm, a black panther on one of her ankles and a large tattoo on the right side of her body made up of a dozen roses joined together.
Police said Mrs Cowley had no money or identification with her when she went missing.
Officers said it is not thought that anyone else is involved or any criminal offence has taken place.
Inspector Detective William de Jonge, of the Seaport Police, in Rotterdam, said: "We are investigating with Derbyshire Police and with P&O Ferries to find out the facts."
Detective Inspector Graham Prince at Derbyshire Police said: "We are liaising with our colleagues in Rotterdam to assist them with their inquiries.
"We also have officers working with Mrs Cowley's family in Derby.
"Clearly her husband is very concerned about where Teresa is. We would urge her to get in contact, either with the police or her family to let us know she is safe and well."
One drinker in The Robin pub, only a few yards from the Cowleys' home, said regulars had been in talking about Mrs Cowley's disappearance.
"I just hope she's found safe and well," he added.
Anyone with information is asked to call Derbyshire police on the non-emergency number 101 and speak to Pear Tree CID.
