A pensioner who fell overboard from a CalMac ferry travelling to Arran has been named as Jim Wither. The 82-year-old was reported missing from Johnstone in Renfrewshire on Sunday, October 18.
Police inquiries established that Jim may have entered the water after boarding a ferry from Ardrossan to Arran. It is believed he boarded the vessel on the same day of his disappearance.
Search Operation Launched
A search operation was launched off the east coast of the Isle of Arran. Two coastguard helicopters and a rescue aeroplane were scrambled to the scene at the weekend, along with rescue teams from Arran, Ayr, Ardrossan and Greenock.
RNLI lifeboats were also deployed from Girvan and Campbeltown. Despite an extensive search, no one was found.
Police Statement
A statement from Police Scotland reads: "On Sunday, October 18, we received a report of a man missing from Johnstone. Following enquiries, it was established the man may have entered the water after boarding a ferry from Ardrossan to Arran. Officers assisted partners during a search off the eastern coast of the Isle of Arran and enquiries remain ongoing."
A spokesperson for Caledonian MacBrayne said: "CalMac and the crew from MV Caledonian Isles are assisting Police Scotland and HM Coastguard with an ongoing enquiry regarding a missing person."
