Ferry passenger who went overboard arrested after making 'bomb threat' to staff

A man has been arrested after allegedly making a bomb threat on board a ferry in Ardrossan.

Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from the MV Caledonian Isles on Friday after threats were made to staff by a passenger who had been rescued after going overboard.

Emergency services were alerted that a passenger had gone overboard from the ferry and caused a disturbance as it travelled from Brodick to Ardrossan around 5.30pm.

Threats were reportedly made to staff when the man was rescued.

The crew on board began a search of the vessel, with all 329 passengers forced to evacuate upon arrival in Ardrossan.

Police also cleared the port.

Officers declared that the threat was not credible and the situation had been resolved around 8.30pm following a search of the ferry. Passengers were allowed back on board to recover their vehicles.

CalMac ferries between Ardrossan and Brodick remain cancelled as of Saturday morning.

The ferry operator has warned that space on Troon to Brodick sailings is very limited and customers are advised not to travel to the port without a confirmed booking

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident, and investigations are ongoing.

Police have confirmed that there was no threat to the wider public.