Major search overnight for man who fell overboard from CalMac ferry near Arran

A major search was launched overnight after reports a man fell overboard from a ferry off Arran.

HM Coastguard was alerted around 8.30pm on Sunday that a man had fallen overboard from a CalMac passenger ferry east of the Isle of Arran.

Two Coastguard helicopters and a Coastguard aeroplane searched the area, as well as rescue teams from Arran, Ayr, Ardrossan and Greenock.

RNLI lifeboats from Girvan and Campbeltown were also scrambled to the scene, and Police Scotland was informed.

After an extensive search, no one was found, and the response was stood down at about 4.55am on Monday, pending any new information.

CalMac confirmed the crew from MV Caledonian Isles are assisting Police Scotland and HM Coastguard with an ongoing enquiry regarding a missing person. 

A number of services from Ardrossan to Brodick were cancelled on Monday morning.

Calmac said in an update on X: “MV Caledonian Isles will resume service with the 12.30 sailing from Ardrossan. Due to the earlier emergency incident, this service will remain liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.”

Sailings from Troon have also been impacted, due to high volumes of traffic.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “This in relation to an ongoing missing person enquiry.”