Passenger rescued after falling overboard from CalMac ferry before bomb threat made

A passenger has been rescued after falling overboard from a CalMac ferry, which was then forced to evacuate due to a bomb threat.

CalMac confirmed a person was reported overboard from the MV Caledonian Isles on its 4.40pm crossing from Brodick to Ardrossan at around 5.30pm on Friday, August 21.

The ferry crew launched their Fast Rescue Craft and successfully rescued the person from the water.

Coastguard Rescue Teams from Largs and Ardrossan, and Troon RNLI lifeboat attended the scene.

Following that, a threat was then made that a bomb was onboard the vessel and the crew immediately launched emergency protocols.

This included a thorough search of the vessel and the disembarkation of the 329 passengers once the vessel arrived in Ardrossan.

They were taken to the nearby Asda car park along with port staff and customers who had also been evacuated by police.

Once the search of the vessel was complete, police declared the situation resolved. Passengers were then allowed back on board to recover their vehicles.

All remaining sailings this evening from Ardrossan have been cancelled to allow crew to be debriefed and for emergency equipment to be replenished.

CalMac CEO Duncan Mackison said: ““This was a fast-moving situation that was handled professionally by our crew, Ardrossan port staff and emergency services and I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to them.”

“Any affected customers who had bookings are being contacted by CalMac customer services.”