Ferry Security Incident
CalMac Ferry Evacuated Following Passenger Rescue and Subsequent Bomb Threat
Key Points
The incident was officially stood down by Police Scotland at around 8pm, with CalMac confirming the stand-down.
There were 329 passengers on the MV Caledonian Isles during the Ardrossan-bound 4.40pm sailing, and both onboard customers and those at the port were guided to the nearby Asda car park while security searches took place.
The overboard incident occurred on the 4.40pm Brodick-to-Ardrossan crossing, with reports of a passenger in the water around 5.30pm; the crew launched the Fast Rescue Craft and recovered the individual, with HM Coastguard alerted.
Following the rescue, a bomb threat was reported onboard, prompting emergency protocols, a vessel-wide search, the evacuation of passengers to the Asda car park, and the cancellation of remaining Ardrossan sailings; CalMac chief Duncan Mackison described it as a live incident with no injuries reported.
Coastguard rescue teams from Largs and Ardrossan, along with Troon RNLI lifeboat, were deployed to Ardrossan Harbour as part of the ongoing security operation.
A CalMac ferry carrying 329 passengers was evacuated at Ardrossan Harbour in Scotland after a bomb threat was reported on Friday. The incident unfolded after crew members rescued a passenger who had fallen overboard during the 4:40pm sailing of the MV Caledonian Isles from Brodick, according to Herald Scotland.
Police Scotland stood down the incident at around 8pm after conducting a full vessel search, with Daily Star reporting no injuries were sustained. All remaining evening sailings from Ardrossan were cancelled as emergency services, including Coastguard rescue teams and RNLI lifeboats, secured the harbour.
Passenger Rescued From Water During Crossing
At approximately 5:30pm on Friday, a passenger went overboard during the 4:40pm sailing from Brodick to Ardrossan. The MV Caledonian Isles crew immediately launched the Fast Rescue Craft and recovered the individual from the water, Mirror reported. HM Coastguard was alerted and deployed rescue teams from Largs and Ardrossan, along with the Troon RNLI lifeboat.
Bomb Threat Triggers Full Evacuation Protocol
Immediately after the rescue operation, a bomb threat was reported aboard the vessel. Emergency protocols were activated, and all 329 passengers were evacuated to a nearby Asda car park while security crews conducted a complete search of the ship, according to Head Topics.
CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison praised the crew and emergency services for their swift response. He described the situation as 'a live incident' while confirming that no injuries had been reported at that time, GB News noted.
Remaining Sailings Cancelled as Searches Continue
The chaos left no room for normal operations. All remaining evening sailings from Ardrossan were cancelled as Police Scotland, Coastguard officials, and CalMac crews conducted thorough security searches of the MV Caledonian Isles. The vessel was fully debriefed during the operation.
The incident was officially stood down by Police Scotland at approximately 8pm, with CalMac confirming the all-clear. Passengers who had been sheltering in the Asda car park were eventually able to disperse after authorities completed their investigation into the threat.
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