Ferry Passenger Rescued After falling Overboard Before Bomb Threat Made

22nd August 2026

Jehan Ashmore

Following an overboard incident and bomb threat, remaining scheduled sailings from Ardrossan to the Isle of Arran were cancelled yesterday evening. Above, the ferry involved, CalMac’s Caledonian Isles, is seen underway, departing Brodick bound for the mainland. Credit: Jehan Ashmore

A Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) passenger has been rescued after falling overboard in south-west Scotland, which led to the ferry being forced to evacuate due to a bomb threat, reports STV News.

The West Coast and Isles operator confirmed a person was reported overboard from the MV Caledonian Isles when on the Firth of Clyde.

The ferry was sailing the 4.40pm crossing from Brodick, Isle of Arran, to Ardrossan when the overboard took place at around 5.30pm yesterday (21 August).

The crew launched a fast rescue craft and was able to successfully rescue the person from the sea. Also attending the scene were Coast Guard rescue teams from Ardrossan, Largs, and Troon’s RNLI lifeboat.

Following the rescue, a threat of a bomb was onboard the 1,000-passenger-capacity ferry, which led the crew to immediately launch emergency protocols.

A thorough search of the 5,221-ton ferry took place, and upon arrival at Ardrossan, the disembarkation of the 329 passengers commenced.

More here on the double incidents with a comment from CalMac’s CEO.

Published in Scottish Waters

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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