Search operation suspended after person goes overboard on UK ferry

It is understood that the person fell from a Western Ferries vessel on Sunday afternoon

A major search operation has been suspended after a person fell overboard from a ferry in the Firth of Clyde.

The alarm was raised on Sunday afternoon after the incident occurred between Dunoon and Gourock.

An HM Coastguard helicopter was dispatched alongside an RNLI lifeboat.

CalMac said its MV Ali Cat vessel is also assisting the search.

It is understood the person fell from a Western Ferries vessel which operates between Gourock in Inverclyde and Dunoon in Argyll and Bute.

HM Coastguard said on Monday that nothing had been found and the search has been suspended.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard responded to reports of a person overboard between the Hunter’s Quay and Gourock area in Scotland on Sunday June 15.

“An HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter was tasked to conduct a search, alongside coastguard rescue teams from Largs, Kames, Helensburgh, Greenock and Dunoon, in addition to RNLI lifeboats from Helensburgh and Largs.

“Nearby vessels were also called to assist. Police Scotland and Scottish Ambulance Service are also in attendance. The search has been suspended.”

Western Ferries services were suspended for a time on Sunday while emergency services dealt with the incident.

Coastguards carried out searches on foot along the Gourock waterfront while police officers were stationed at the nearby ferry terminal.