CalMac Ferry Evacuated at Ardrossan After Rescued Passenger Makes Bomb Threat
Police Scotland arrested a 23-year-old man after a passenger rescued from the sea made a bomb threat aboard a CalMac ferry carrying 329 passengers from Arran to Ardrossan.
Rescue and bomb threat
The CalMac ferry MV Caledonian Isles departed Brodick on the Isle of Arran at 16:40 on Friday, carrying 329 passengers toward Ardrossan on the west coast of Scotland. At approximately 17:30, during the scheduled passage, a person was reported to have gone overboard into the water. The ferry crew immediately launched their Fast Rescue Craft, successfully pulled the individual from the sea, and alerted HM Coastguard to the rescue operation. After being brought aboard the rescue craft, the passenger directed threats at the crew, claiming that a bomb was located on board the main vessel. CalMac crew members put emergency safety procedures into place as the ship continued toward its destination on the mainland.
Evacuation at Ardrossan harbour
When the MV Caledonian Isles berthed at Ardrossan harbour, crew members initiated an evacuation of the entire vessel. All 329 passengers on board were instructed to leave the ship on foot, leaving their vehicles behind on the car deck while emergency services attended the scene. Police Scotland officers directed both the disembarked ferry passengers and members of the public waiting at the terminal into a nearby Asda supermarket car park. The retail car park functioned as a waiting area while emergency services secured the harbour area and prepared to inspect the ferry. CalMac confirmed during the response that no injuries were reported among passengers or staff.
- MV Caledonian Isles departs Brodick for Ardrossan carrying 329 passengers.
- Passenger is reported overboard and recovered by Fast Rescue Craft before making a bomb threat.
- Ferry berths at Ardrossan and 329 passengers evacuate on foot to a nearby Asda car park.
- Police Scotland searches the vessel, confirms threat is not credible, and arrests a 23-year-old man.
- Passengers retrieve vehicles; remaining Friday evening sailings from Ardrossan are cancelled.
Police search and arrest
Police Scotland officers carried out a detailed search of the MV Caledonian Isles to determine whether an explosive device was on board. Following the inspection of the ferry, authorities confirmed that the threat was false and presented no danger to the public. Police arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the incident. Once the search concluded and emergency teams declared the vessel safe, CalMac allowed the evacuated passengers back on board the ship to collect their vehicles.
It has been established that the threats made were not credible. The incident has since concluded and there is no threat to the wider public.
Service cancellations and response
CalMac cancelled all remaining scheduled sailings from Ardrossan on Friday evening as a consequence of the security operation and evacuation. The ferry operator stated that the cancellations were necessary to allow the crew to be debriefed and to replenish emergency rescue equipment deployed during the water recovery. CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison praised the crew, port personnel, and emergency responders for their handling of the disruption.
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.
The operator advised travellers affected by the cancellations and subsequent disruption to contact CalMac directly to obtain updated sailing schedules and travel guidance.
