THE crew of a CalMac ferry has been praised for their “professionalism” and “outstanding” response to two major emergencies after an overboard passenger was saved amid a “bomb threat”.
The First Minister has led praise for the crew of the MV Caledonian Isles after the emergency incidents at Ardrossan harbour on Friday, as he said it was a “powerful reminder of the skill, training and dedication” of Scotland’s ferry crews.
Those onboard the vessel were alerted to a person overboard at around 5.30pm on Friday as the ferry approached Ardrossan on a crossing from Arran.
A man was saved from the water after a fast rescue craft (FRC) was launched.
Following the rescue mission, CalMac said a “credible security threat” was made, with police saying the man had caused a disturbance and made threats when he was rescued.
Police have confirmed that a 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
The force added it has since been established that the threats made were not credible, and there is no threat to the wider public.
CalMac 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 as the search was carried out. They were later allowed back on board to recover their vehicles after the search of the vessel was complete.
John Swinney said he was “immensely grateful” to the crew of MV Caledonian Isles and CalMac staff for their “professionalism” during the incident.
He said: “I am pleased this has been resolved and I appreciate the patience and co-operation of members of the public, including the passenger who bravely assisted crew during the rescue.
“This is a powerful reminder of the skill, training and dedication of our ferry crews, who work every day to keep passengers safe across our vital west coast network.”
CalMac chief executive officer Duncan Mackison praised the crew’s “calm and decisive actions” as he said they 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, CalMac said all sailings at Ardrossan-Brodick remain cancelled.
It added that all customers with an affected booking have been contacted.
