A 23-year-old man was arrested after the Arran Ferry was evacuated at Ardrossan over a bomb threat. The MV Caledonian Isles had 329 people on board when a passenger went overboard during the MV Caledonian Isles 16:40 service from Brodick on the Isle of Arran.
CalMac said the man was pulled from the sea by the ferry's rescue boat. After that, he told crew there was a bomb on board, and all passengers were removed on foot at Ardrossan so the vessel could be searched.
Ardrossan harbour search
Passengers and others waiting at the port were taken by police to a nearby supermarket car park while the search was carried out. After it was complete, officers allowed people back on board to collect their vehicles. Police Scotland said there was no threat to the wider public.
Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We were made aware that a man had gone overboard and caused a disturbance and made threats when he was rescued." The spokesperson added: "A 23-year-old man has been arrested. The incident has since concluded and there is no threat to the wider public."
Duncan Mackison statement
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." CalMac said remaining sailings from Ardrossan were cancelled on Friday evening to allow crew to be debriefed and emergency equipment to be replenished.
CalMac added an extra service to the island at 19:50 on the MV Alfred from nearby Troon, and said affected passengers with bookings would be contacted by customer services.
