Frantic search launched after man falls overboard from passenger ferry

A passenger falling overboard from a ferry in the UK prompted a major search operation, which has since been called off. Emergency services were called at around 8.30pm on Sunday, October 18, following a report a man had fallen overboard from the MV Caledonian Isles near Arran. The search was joined by two coastguard helicopters and a coastguard aeroplane, which were scrambled to the scene, along with search-and-rescue teams from Arran, Ayr, Ardrossan and Greenock.

RNLI lifeboats were also deployed from Girvan and Campbeltown. The Coastguard response was stood down at about 4.55am on Monday, a decision made pending any new information, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.

Police Scotland have confirmed they were called amid reports of the ongoing missing person enquiry. CalMac said they are assisting police and coastguard crews.

A Coastguard spokesperson said: “HM Coastguard responded to a report made at about 8.30pm on 18 October of a man going overboard from a passenger vessel east of the Isle of Arran. Two HM Coastguard helicopters and an HM Coastguard aeroplane were sent to search as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Arran, Ayr, Ardrossan and Greenock, plus RNLI lifeboats from Girvan and Campbeltown. Police Scotland was informed.

“After an extensive search no one was found and the HM Coastguard response was stood down at about 4.55am on 19 October, pending any new information.” A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “This is in relation to an ongoing missing person enquiry.”