Crew and passengers aboard a CalMac ferry have been praised for their “outstanding” response to simultaneous emergencies on Friday evening, when reports of a person falling overboard were quickly followed by a “security threat”.
The crew of the MV Caledonian Isles was alerted to a person overboard at about 5.30pm as it approached Ardrossan in North Ayrshire on a crossing from Arran.
A fast rescue craft (FRC) was launched and the man was quickly saved from the water.
Once aboard the craft, the ferry operator said a “credible security threat” was made, with police saying the man had caused a disturbance and made threats when he was rescued.
While the craft proceeded to land, the onboard crew then began a full vessel search in accordance with the ship’s security plan.
Passengers on board the ferry were also evacuated as emergency services dealt with the incident in Ardrossan harbour.
The ferry operator said all 329 passengers who were on board and those who were at the port were guided to the nearby Asda car park by police.
Police said a 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
The ferry operator said having to respond to a person overboard and a “security threat” at the same time was “unprecedented”.
It also paid tribute to the “exemplary actions” of passengers and said one passenger in particular had given “invaluable” assistance by maintaining visual contact with the man in the water, and helping deploy life-saving equipment.
READ MORE:
Man arrested following ‘bomb threat’ after ferry passenger rescued from sea
Body found after passenger reported overboard from cruise ship
Glasgow Tesco store evacuated after vehicle catches fire
CalMac chief executive officer Duncan Mackison said the crew’s “calm and decisive actions” had brought both incidents to a “safe conclusion”.
“The crew’s ability to adapt rapidly to a highly challenging and evolving situation is testament to their professionalism and the effectiveness of the extensive training they undertake on a regular basis,” he said.
“I was so impressed with the professional and calm manner in which the Master and all the crew of MV Caledonian Isles executed an exemplary FRC operation, followed by the management of a full-scale, multi-agency security incident.
“Incidents such as these serve as a reminder that we never know when emergency situations may arise, but I am truly reassured and immensely proud of the way the vessel team reacted to such an unexpected turn of events.
“A life was saved under very difficult circumstances where, in effect, two major incidents were being managed at the same time.
“The crew’s actions were outstanding and reflect the highest standards of professionalism, training and dedication to keeping our passengers safe.
“Many congratulations to everyone involved and thank you again for such an effective response under real pressure.”
On Saturday morning the ferry operator said all sailings Ardrossan-Brodick sailings remain cancelled, and that all customers with an affected booking have been contacted.
Share