(Image: George Munro)
The search for a missing man reported overboard was stood down after more than eight hours off the coast of Arran.
The Coastguard said it received a report that a man had gone overboard from a passenger vessel east of the island at around 8.30pm on Sunday, October 18, and that two helicopters and an aeroplane joined the search.
HM Coastguard rescue teams from Arran, Ayr, Ardrossan and Greenock also responded alongside RNLI lifeboats from Girvan and Campbeltown.
The CalMac ferry MV Caledonian Isles was also involved in the emergency, with sailings cancelled on Monday morning due to crew rest requirements following extended operational activity.
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The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MGCA) said the decision to stand down was made pending any new information.
A spokesperson said: “HM Coastguard responded to a report made at about 8.30pm on October 18 of a man going overboard from a passenger vessel east of the Isle of Arran.
“Two HM Coastguard helicopters and an HM Coastguard aeroplane were sent to search as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Arran, Ayr, Ardrossan, and Greenock, plus RNLI lifeboats from Girvan and Campbeltown. Police Scotland was informed.
“After an extensive search, no one was found and the HM Coastguard response was stood down at about 4.55am on October 19, pending any new information.”
A CalMac spokesperson said: "MV Caledonian Isles will resume service with the 12:30 sailing from Ardrossan.
"Due to the earlier emergency incident, this service may remain subject to disruption or cancellation at short notice as a result of crew rest requirements following extended operational activity."
The Herald asked CalMac whether the man had fallen overboard from the MV Caledonian Isles, and a spokesperson said: "CalMac and the crew from MV Caledonian Isles are assisting Police Scotland and HM Coastguard with an ongoing enquiry regarding a missing person."
Police Scotland has confirmed it believes the man fell from the CalMac boat.
A spokesperson said: "On Sunday, 18 October, 2026, we received a report of a man missing from Johnstone.
"Following enquiries, it was established the man may have entered the water after boarding a ferry from Ardrossan to Arran.
"Officers assisted partners during a search off the eastern coast of the Isle of Arran and enquiries remain ongoing."