Coastguard suspends 'person overboard' search in Firth of Clyde

A SEARCH launched in the Firth of Clyde on Sunday following reports of a "person overboard" has been suspended.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident between Gourock and Hunters Quay early on Sunday afternoon. 

Five Coastguard teams from five stations on the Clyde were called into action as well as a coastguard search and rescue helicopter. Nearby vessels were also called to assist in the large emergency operation. 

It is understood a person went overboard from a Western Ferries vessel.

Western Ferries suspended its service at around 1.45pm, with CalMac also cancelling its sailings between Gourock and Dunoon while MV Ali Cat assisted emergency services.

CalMac's MV Ali Cat has also been assisting in the search (Image: Hp Petrie) At around 8.50pm on Sunday evening - around seven hours after the initial report - a spokesperson for HM Coastguard said. 

They said: “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 has confirmed that sailings between McInroy’s Point and Hunters Quay resumed at 9pm.

At around 9.10pm CalMac issued a statement confirming MV Ali Cat had been stood down and the service resumed at 9.20pm from Gourock.