Dunoon ferry water search 'concluded' after missing man 'fell overboard'

Daily Record

18-06-2025

Police Scotland and HM Coastguard have confirmed that the search has ended for the man reported missing after falling overboard from a ferry near Dunoon.
The search for a missing 64-year-old man who fell overboard from a ferry near Dunoon has ended as police provide "support to his family".
The passenger was reported missing at around 1pm on the Sound of Shuna by his wife as they sailed between Gourock to Dunoon on Father's Day (Sunday June 15).
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A major multi-agency search operation was launched involving the HM Coastguard helicopter, RNLI lifeboats and nearby vessels, as well as Police Scotland officers, their Dive and Marine Unit and Air Support Unit.
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Western Ferries suspended their services while the rescue operation was underway as searches were carried out on the water and shorelines.
However, the search has now concluded, with HM Coastguard noting that it was stood down at around 4.30pm on Monday with nothing found.
The force confirmed that although water searches have ceased, enquiries remain ongoing as officers provide support to his family.
Chief Inspector James McArthur said: "Around 1.40pm on Sunday, 15 June, 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 shorelines. Local officers have been assisted by our Dive and Marine Unit and Air Support Unit.
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"The water searches have concluded, however our enquiries remain ongoing and officers are providing support to his family."
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: "At around 1.24pm on Sunday 15 June, HM Coastguard received reports of a person overboard from a ferry travelling between Hunters Quay and Gourock, Scotland.
"An HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter and fixed wing aircraft were sent, alongside Coastguard Rescue Teams from Dunoon, Greenock, Kames, and Largs. Lifeboats from Helensburgh and Largs also joined the search.
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"The search was stood down at around 4.30pm yesterday with nothing found."
A spokesperson for Western Ferries said at the time: "At approximately 13.20 on Sunday 15th June, 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.
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"Emergency services were contacted, and a co-ordinated 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."
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