A "bomb threat" has been reported on a Scottish ferry moments after a passenger was rescued from the water.
The person was reported overboard on the MV Caledonian Isles sailing from Brodick on the Isle of Arran.
After being recovered from the water by the vessel's rapid rescue team, the man allegedly told crew members there was an explosive device on board, triggering emergency protocols and throwing the busy service into a major security alert.
Police were immediately notified and a search of the ship began.
The CalMac ferry carrying 329 passengers was evacuated this evening.
The MV Caledonian Isles had departed Brodick on the Isle of Arran at 4.40pm bound for Ardrossan when the incident unfolded during the crossing.
Reports of a person overboard came in at approximately 5.30pm as the ferry made its way across the Firth of Clyde.
CalMac crew deployed their Fast Rescue Craft and managed to pull the man safely from the water.
The vessel's team immediately began searching the ship.
HM Coastguard confirmed it responded to the incident off Ardrossan at around 5.25pm, dispatching rescue teams from Largs and Ardrossan alongside Troon RNLI lifeboat.
Upon docking at Ardrossan, all passengers were led off the vessel via the gangway and directed to a nearby Asda car park for their safety.
The port itself was also cleared by officers.
Police conducted a thorough search of the ferry lasting more than two hours before finally confirming the threat had been resolved.
Once given the all-clear, passengers were permitted to reboard the ship solely to retrieve their vehicles.
Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service were also in attendance throughout the incident, HM Coastguard confirmed.
All remaining Friday evening sailings from Ardrossan were scrapped to give crew time for debriefing and to replenish emergency equipment.
Saturday morning services have also been cancelled.
A review is scheduled for 10.30am to determine whether the 12.30pm departure could proceed.
An additional sailing was arranged at 7.50pm aboard the MV Alfred from Troon to ease disruption.
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."
He added: "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."
A statement released by the operator said: "Emergency services are dealing with an ongoing security incident in Ardrossan Harbour following the rescue of a passenger from the water this evening.
"Our Fast Rescue Craft was launched and removed them successfully from the sea. HM Coastguard were alerted. Remaining evening sailings from Ardrossan to Brodick are cancelled and we will contact customers with affected bookings."
A spokesman for HM Coastguard said: “At around 17:25 today HM Coastguard attended an incident off Ardrossan. Coastguard Rescue Teams from Largs and Ardrossan, and Troon RNLI lifeboat were sent. Police Scotland and Scottish Ambulance Service also attended."
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A "bomb threat" has been reported on a Scottish ferry moments after a passenger was rescued from the water.
The person was reported overboard on the MV Caledonian Isles sailing from Brodick on the Isle of Arran.
After being recovered from the water by the vessel's rapid rescue team, the man allegedly told crew members there was an explosive device on board, triggering emergency protocols and throwing the busy service into a major security alert.
Police were immediately notified and a search of the ship began.
The CalMac ferry carrying 329 passengers was evacuated this evening.
The MV Caledonian Isles had departed Brodick on the Isle of Arran at 4.40pm bound for Ardrossan when the incident unfolded during the crossing.
Reports of a person overboard came in at approximately 5.30pm as the ferry made its way across the Firth of Clyde.
CalMac crew deployed their Fast Rescue Craft and managed to pull the man safely from the water.
The vessel's team immediately began searching the ship.
HM Coastguard confirmed it responded to the incident off Ardrossan at around 5.25pm, dispatching rescue teams from Largs and Ardrossan alongside Troon RNLI lifeboat.
Upon docking at Ardrossan, all passengers were led off the vessel via the gangway and directed to a nearby Asda car park for their safety.
The port itself was also cleared by officers.
Police conducted a thorough search of the ferry lasting more than two hours before finally confirming the threat had been resolved.
Once given the all-clear, passengers were permitted to reboard the ship solely to retrieve their vehicles.
Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service were also in attendance throughout the incident, HM Coastguard confirmed.
All remaining Friday evening sailings from Ardrossan were scrapped to give crew time for debriefing and to replenish emergency equipment.
Saturday morning services have also been cancelled.
A review is scheduled for 10.30am to determine whether the 12.30pm departure could proceed.
An additional sailing was arranged at 7.50pm aboard the MV Alfred from Troon to ease disruption.
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."
He added: "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."
A statement released by the operator said: "Emergency services are dealing with an ongoing security incident in Ardrossan Harbour following the rescue of a passenger from the water this evening.
"Our Fast Rescue Craft was launched and removed them successfully from the sea. HM Coastguard were alerted. Remaining evening sailings from Ardrossan to Brodick are cancelled and we will contact customers with affected bookings."
A spokesman for HM Coastguard said: “At around 17:25 today HM Coastguard attended an incident off Ardrossan. Coastguard Rescue Teams from Largs and Ardrossan, and Troon RNLI lifeboat were sent. Police Scotland and Scottish Ambulance Service also attended."
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