A coordinated search operation has been suspended after a passenger fell overboard from a CalMac ferry operating in Scottish waters. According to BBC News, HM Coastguard received notification of the incident aboard MV Caledonian Isles at approximately 20:30 on Sunday, triggering a multi-agency response that continued through the night.
The rescue effort involved substantial resources from multiple emergency services. HM Coastguard deployed two helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft, alongside Coastguard Rescue Teams stationed at Arran, Ayr, Ardrossan and Greenock. The RNLI contributed lifeboats from both Girvan and Campbeltown stations. The vessel was positioned east of Arran when the man went overboard.
Despite the extensive overnight operation, the search yielded no results. HM Coastguard confirmed the decision to stand down the response at approximately 04:55 on 19 October, with the understanding that operations could resume should new information emerge. Police Scotland confirmed their involvement in what they classified as a missing persons investigation, working alongside the other agencies.
An HM Coastguard spokesperson provided details of the deployment:
Two HM Coastguard helicopters and an HM Coastguard airplane were sent to search as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Arran, Ayr, Ardrossan and Greenock, plus RNLI lifeboats from Girvan and Campbeltown. 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.
The RNLI confirmed its involvement in the operation, with the Girvan crew launching shortly before 23:00 on 18 October and the Campbeltown team mobilising just after midnight to assist HM Coastguard in the search for the person reported overboard.
CalMac, the ferry operator, stated that crew members from MV Caledonian Isles were cooperating fully with the investigation. A company spokesperson said:
The crew from MV Caledonian Isles are assisting Police Scotland and HM Coastguard with an ongoing enquiry regarding a missing person.
