Latest news with #WesternFerries'
Glasgow Times
16-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Man, 64, reported missing from ferry in Firth of Clyde
The 64-year-old was travelling on Western Ferries' Sound of Shuna vessel between Gourock and Dunoon when the incident is said to have taken place at around 1.20pm on Sunday. A major search operation was launched with five Coastguard teams deployed alongside a search and rescue helicopter, RNLI lifeboats, all four Western Ferries vessels, Caledonian MacBrayne's Ali Cat and several private vessels. 'Exhaustive' searches were then carried out on the water and shoreline. Western Ferries has since stated that 'regrettably' the individual was not located and that HM Coastguard suspended their search at around 8.30pm on Sunday. READ NEXT: Person overboard search in Firth of Clyde suspended A spokesperson for the company said: 'At approximately 1.20pm on Sunday, June 15, the crew of Western Ferries' Sound of Shuna were alerted to an overboard incident. 'The vessel's crew immediately initiated the overboard procedures in accordance with maritime safety protocols. 'Emergency services were contacted, and a coordinated search and rescue operation was launched involving all four Western Ferries vessels, RNLI lifeboats from Helensburgh and Largs, Caledonian MacBrayne's Ali Cat and several private vessels, together with the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter. 'Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service were also in attendance. Regrettably, after an exhaustive search, the individual was not located, and the Coastguard made the difficult decision to call off the search at around 8.30pm. 'Western Ferries' Managing Director Gordon Ross has commended the emergency agencies and all those involved with the search for their prompt response and assistance.' Police Scotland confirmed they had received reports of a 64-year-old man missing from a ferry travelling in this area. READ NEXT: Man in hospital after being 'stabbed' on Glasgow street The force added that their search remains ongoing, and officers are providing support to his family. Chief Inspector James McArthur said: 'Around 1.40pm on Sunday, June 15, 2025, we received a report of a 64-year-old man missing from a ferry travelling between Gourock and Dunoon. 'Police and partner agencies, including the Coastguard, attended, and extensive searches have been carried out on the water and shoreline. 'Searches and enquiries on ongoing, and officers are providing support to his family.' Earlier today, a HM Coastguard spokesperson commented: "HM Coastguard responded to reports of a person overboard between the Hunter's Quay and Gourock area in Scotland on Sunday, June 15. "A 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 the Scottish Ambulance Service were also in attendance. "The search has been suspended."
Daily Record
25-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ferguson Marine loses out again on new ferry contract in 'disappointing' blow
The Ferguson Marine shipyard on the River Clyde has lost out again on a contract to build new ferries. The nationalised firm, based in Port Glasgow , had submitted a bid to build two new small vessels for Western Ferries' Gourock to Dunoon route on the river, which was used by 1.2 million passengers last year. However, the BBC reported on Friday, April 25 that the ferry operator announced Cammell Laird, based at Birkenhead, Merseyside, was its preferred bidder to take on the contract. Two of Western Ferries' current fleet were built in the early 2000s when the Ferguson Marine yard was privately owned . The decision has left the firm still with no new orders, after it was snubbed in favour of a Polish yard for a contract to build seven new ferries in March, which was described as a "huge blow" . David Dishon, chief financial officer at Ferguson Marine , said of the latest decision: "Having submitted a high-quality bid, this news is disappointing. "However, Ferguson Marine remains focused on securing new work from a range of sources to build its pipeline." Mr Dishon said private investment for new vessels was "vitally important" to the economy and congratulated Cammell Laird on their winning bid. He added: "We wish both companies every success and hope to continue our long-standing working relationship with Western Ferries in the future." Ferguson Marine, which employs around 300 workers in an area of high deprivation, was nationalised in 2019 after struggling to deliver two new car ferries, MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa , the latter of which has still not been completed. MV Glen Sannox received praise from passengers after it was launched on the Arran route in January. However, it was pulled from service just two months later after a hairline crack in its hull led to a leak. It was quickly repaired and the ferry returned to service two days later.
