The search for a teenager who jumped into a river from a ferry has been called off, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.

Coastguard rescue teams, a helicopter, police and Ministry of Defence launches, Dartmoor Rescue Group and Plymouth's all-weather and inshore lifeboats were all involved in the hunt for 16-year-old Jordan Cobb.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency tweeted: "Today's search for man missing near the Torpoint Ferry slipway, Cornwall, has been stood down. Despite an extensive search he wasn't found."

Brixham Coastguard was first alerted after receiving a Mayday distress call from the Torpoint ferry at 9.15pm reporting a man overboard near the ferry's slipway in Torpoint, Cornwall.

Police, the coastguard and the RNLI conducted an extensive search of the River Tamar for the teenager after he failed to reappear. The search had resumed on Tuesday morning and there was a possibility he had managed to swim ashore.

Friends of Jordan, from Plymouth, took to social networking sites to pray for his safe return. Matt Lethbridge tweeted: "Happy new year people but thought are with Jordan Cobb. Praying for you my man." He later added: "Going sleep hoping to wake up to good news about Jordan Cobb. Thoughts are with you mate."

Lauren Prend tweeted: "Praying for Jordan Cobb to be safe, can't believe what's happened to him. Wasn't that long ago when I spoke to him! Love you Jordan xxx"

Jeorgia Best tweeted: "Hope Jordan Cobb is okay :("

Katey Northcott added: "Thoughts go out to Jordan Cobb and his family hope he's alright. xx"

The Torpoint Ferry, which is pulled across the River Tamar on chains, is one of the main ways to travel between Devon and Cornwall and was established in 1791.