Clyde drama as fishing boat sinks following collision with oil tanker

Three people have been saved in a major rescue operation after a fishing vessel sunk in the Firth of Clyde following a collision with an oil tanker.

A mayday call was sent out triggering an emergency response from HM Coastguard, RNLI, as well as the RAF around 3.15pm on Thursday afternoon between Troon and Brodick.

HM Coastguard sent helicopters from Inverness and Stornoway to the incident and were supported by RNLI volunteers who came with lifeboats from Troon and Arran.

CalMac also assisted with the emergency and services were delayed as a result, while an RAF Poseidon aircraft was seen circling the area.

The Coastguard has confirmed that three people were rescued and are safe and well. While the fishing vessel sunk at the scene.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard coordinated the response this afternoon, April 25 to a vessel collision on the Firth of Clyde.

“Three people from the fishing vessel involved have been rescued by lifeboat. All are safe and well and the fishing vessel has sunk on scene.

“We were alerted at around 3.15pm to the incident, Coastguard helicopters from Inverness and Stornoway, lifeboats from Troon and Arran RNLI and the RAF went to the scene.”

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