Man dies after being pulled from water at ferry terminal

A 60-year-old man died after being pulled from the water at a ferry terminal.

A massive emergency services operation was launched at about 7.30am on Tuesday near the Cairnryan terminal, near Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway.

The port employee, who worked for Stena Line ferries, was pulled from the water and taken to hospital but could not be saved.

It was understood he entered the water from the shore, and the Health and Safety Executive was notified.

Stena Line apologised to customers for delays due to a “medical emergency” on the Belfast-Cairnryan route, and paid tribute to the man.

An air ambulance was sent by Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), as well as two other ambulances, along with the coastguard, police, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

A Stena Line spokesperson said: “Stena Line can confirm that an incident occurred at approximately 7.15am when a port employee entered the water at Loch Ryan Port from the shore.

“The man was recovered from the water and emergency services attended the scene. Police Scotland have since confirmed that our colleague has sadly passed away.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident and offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of our colleague.

The circumstances are currently being investigated by the authorities and Stena Line is co-operating fully with the investigation

“We are supporting our staff at this upsetting time.

“The circumstances are currently being investigated by the authorities and Stena Line is co-operating fully with the investigation.

“Today’s 3.30pm sailing from Belfast has been cancelled and all other sailings on the route will be subject to delay.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 7.30am on Tuesday, we were called to a report of a man in the water at Belfast Way, Cairnryan.

“Emergency services attended and a 60-year-old man was recovered from the water. He died a short time later.

“Inquiries are ongoing but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

“(The) Health and Safety Executive will be notified in due course.”

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 7.24am to attend an incident in Cairnryan, Stranraer.

“Two ambulances and an air ambulance with trauma team were dispatched to the scene and one patient was transported to hospital.”

An HSE spokesperson said: “We are aware of this incident and are making inquiries alongside other agencies.”

The SFRS has been contacted for comment.