A body has been found after a pensioner fell from a ferry in Scotland during Storm Boelo.
What Happened
Jim Withers, 82, was reported to have entered the water after boarding a Calmac Ferry from Androssan in North Ayrshire to the Isle of Arran.
Police confirmed the body was recovered off the beach in Largs, a town in the Firth of Clyde.
Coastguards first responded to reports of a man going overboard.
Search and Response
A large-scale search was launched, involving two helicopters, a coastguard aircraft, and two Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboats.
Rescue teams from multiple agencies participated in the operation.
The search was officially called off.
Official Statements
Police Scotland issued a statement confirming the body was found in the Largs area.
It said formal identification has not yet taken place.
Jim Withers’ family has been informed of the discovery.
The incident is not being treated as suspicious.
A formal report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.
Operator Response
Calmac, the ferry operator, said in a previous statement that its crew on the MV Caledonian Isles are assisting Police Scotland and HM Coastguard with the ongoing enquiry.
The company has not issued any further updates beyond that statement.
Context and Background
Storm Boelo, a powerful weather system, was active in the UK during late October.
It brought strong winds and rough seas to the Firth of Clyde, affecting ferry operations and coastal areas.
Such conditions increase the risk of falls from vessels, especially on ferries that operate in exposed waters.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the dangers of ferry travel during severe weather.
It also underscores the coordination required among emergency services in such situations.
While the death is not being treated as suspicious, the event raises questions about safety protocols on ferries during storms.
Limitations and Open Questions
There is no public information about whether the fall occurred during active weather or at a specific time.
Details about the pensioner’s health, prior travel history, or the condition of the ferry at the time remain unknown.
There is no confirmation of whether the man was on board the ferry when it left Androssan or if he was already on the island.
Official sources have not provided a timeline of events beyond the initial report and search closure.
For more on the storm’s impact, see Scotland weather updates.
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Read the original report at Metro.
Sources & further reading
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