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Arran ferry evacuated over 'bomb threat' as passenger rescued from sea

Paul HastieBBC Scotland
News imageBBC A crowd of people stands on a grassy area beside Clyde Marina, with yachts and sailboat masts visible behind a fence in the background. A large blue building marked “CLYDE MARINA” stands to the left, while people gather along the roadside and waterfront under bright sunshine. A speed limit sign and several parked vehicles are visible near the marina entrance.BBC
Passengers were removed from the ferry on foot at Ardrossan harbour

A ferry service on Scotland's west coast has been evacuated over a bomb threat after a passenger was rescued from the water.

CalMac said a person was reported overboard on the MV Caledonian Isles 16:40 sailing from Brodick on the Isle of Arran.

The vessel's fast rescue craft was launched to recover the passenger. The BBC understands that they then claimed there was a bomb on board.

The ferry operator said emergency protocols were put in place. The vessel was searched and 329 people were removed on foot when it berthed at Ardrossan.

News imageChristopher Brindle A black and white ship with a red funnel and Caledonian MacBrayne written on the side in white letteringChristopher Brindle
CalMac said a passenger was reported overboard on the MV Caledonian Isles

Passengers from the ferry and others waiting at the port were taken to a nearby Asda car park by police as the search was carried out.

CalMac said the vehicles on MV Caledonian Isles were left on board.

Remaining scheduled sailings from Ardrossan were cancelled on Friday evening.

CalMac CEO Duncan Mackison said: "CalMac staff and crew are following emergency procedures alongside the emergency services and no injuries have been reported.

"Customers will be kept informed of the situation as it develops."

CalMac is the UK's largest ferry operator, running 29 routes across 200 miles of Scotland's west coast.