A major rescue mission was launched after a person fell overboard from a Stena Line ferry travelling between Belfast and Cairnryan.
HM Coastguard was called to assist Police Scotland to the incident in Loch Ryan in Dumfries and Galloway around 5:45pm on Saturday evening.
Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat and RNLI Girvan Lifeboat were also alerted to the scene alongside Stena Superfast VIII Rescue craft, Stranraer coastguard, HM Coastguard - Portpatrick, Ballantrae Coastguard Rescue Team and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 199 from Prestwick.
HM Coastguard confirmed that the person was recovered from the water by Stena Superfast VIII Rescue craft and taken to University Hospital Ayr by Coastguard helicopter.
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A HM Coastguard spokesperson said: "HM Coastguard was requested to assist the Stena Superfast 8 ferry this evening after a person fell overboard in Loch Ryan.
“The person was recovered from the water by the ferry’s fast rescue craft and taken to Ayr Hospital by the Coastguard helicopter.
"We have no further information at this time."
Brief details of todays launch to Loch Ryan area along with @RNLI_Stranraer can be found here.https://t.co/chJIPhhmf4 pic.twitter.com/8hzqfWqYWX
— RNLI Girvan Lifeboat (@GirvanRNLI) July 1, 2023
A statement from Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat said: “At 17.47 hours, 01.07.2023, Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat was launched at request of HM Coastguard Operations Centre Belfast and Police Scotland Dumfries & Galloway to an incident in North Loch Ryan.
“Also requested to assist were, Stena Superfast VIII Rescue craft, RNLI Girvan Lifeboat , Stranraer coastguard HM Coastguard - Portpatrick Ballantrae Coastguard Rescue Team and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 199 from Prestwick.
“No further details will be released at this time. Boat rehoused and made ready for service at 19.15 hours.”
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