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

Paul HastieBBC Scotland
BBC 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.

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

When this was complete, police declared that the situation had been resolved and allowed people back on board to collect their vehicles.

A large passenger ferry docked in a harbour. Parked vehicles can be seen in the foreground
The MV Caledonian Isles berthed at Ardrossan after the alarm was raised

Remaining scheduled sailings from Ardrossan were cancelled on Friday evening to allow crew to be debriefed and emergency equipment to be replenished

An extra service to the island was added at 19:50 on the MV Alfred from Troon.

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."

The operator said affected passengers who had bookings would be contacted by customer services.

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