Stena Line ferry worker dies after getting into difficulty in water at Cairnryan Terminal near Stranraer

A ferry worker has died after getting into difficulty in water at a port in Dumfries and Galloway.

Police, fire, ambulance and coastguard crews were scrambled to the Cairnryan Terminal, near Stranraer, at around 7.30am on Tuesday after receiving reports of a man in difficulty.

A 60-year-old man, who worked for Stena Line ferries, was recovered from the water but was pronounced dead in hospital a short time later.

Enquires are ongoing and the health and safety executive has been notified. There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

Police, fire, ambulance and coastguard crews were scrambled to the Cairnryan Terminal, near Stranraer, at around 7.30am on Tuesday after receiving reports of a man in difficulty. Supplied

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 7.30am on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, we were called to a report of a man in the water at Belfast Way, Cairnryan.

“Emergency services attended and a 60-year-old man was recovered from the water.

“He died a short time later.

“Enquiries are ongoing but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

“Health and Safety Executive will be notified in due course.”

Stena Line apologised to customers for delays due to a “medical emergency” on the Belfast-Cairnryan route, and paid tribute to the man.

A Stena Line spokesperson said: “Stena Line can confirm that an incident occurred at approximately 7.15am when a port employee entered the water at Loch Ryan Port from the shore.

“The man was recovered from the water and emergency services attended the scene. Police Scotland have since confirmed that our colleague has sadly passed away.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident and offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of our colleague.

“We are supporting our staff at this upsetting time.

“The circumstances are currently being investigated by the authorities and Stena Line is co-operating fully with the investigation.

“Today’s 3.30pm sailing from Belfast has been cancelled and all other sailings on the route will be subject to delay.”

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 7.24am to attend an incident in Cairnryan, Stranraer.

“Two ambulances and an air ambulance with trauma team were dispatched to the scene and one patient was transported to hospital.”