A ferry carrying hundreds of passengers was evacuated at Ardrossan on Scotland’s west coast after a man rescued from the sea allegedly told crew members that there was a bomb on board.
Police Scotland arrested a 23-year-old man following the incident on the MV Caledonian Isles. The ferry had been carrying 329 people on its 16:40 service from Brodick on the Isle of Arran.
Passenger Rescued Before Threat
CalMac said crew members received a report that a passenger had gone overboard. The ferry’s rescue boat brought the man back on board.
After his rescue, the man allegedly told crew members that a bomb was on the ferry. The crew then alerted emergency services and authorities began evacuating passengers when the vessel reached Ardrossan.
Police moved passengers and people waiting at the port to a nearby supermarket car park while officers searched the ferry.
Police Say Threat Was Not Credible
Police Scotland later confirmed that officers found no credible threat. Passengers could return to the ferry after the search ended and collect their vehicles.
A police spokesperson said the man had caused a disturbance after going overboard and made threats when crew members rescued him. Officers arrested him in connection with the incident.
Police also confirmed that the situation had ended and that there was no wider threat to the public.
Ferry Services Disrupted
CalMac cancelled the remaining sailings from Ardrossan on Friday evening. The company said the cancellations would allow crew members to receive a debrief and enable staff to replenish emergency equipment.
The operator arranged an additional 19:50 service to Arran using the MV Alfred from nearby Troon.
CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison praised the ferry crew, port staff and emergency services for their response. He said the situation developed quickly but staff handled it professionally.
CalMac said customer service teams would contact passengers whose bookings were affected by the disruption.
The company operates 29 ferry routes across Scotland’s west coast, making it the largest ferry operator in the United Kingdom.
