May 21
In a bizarre turn of events, Calmac services from Gourock to Dunoon were cancelled for a brief period on Wednesday (May 19) morning, after the MV Alicat’s gangplank became submerged in the water.
Many commuters woke up to the news that that the town centre ferry would not operate ‘until further notice’, instead being replaced by a temporary bus.
We understand that, after a police incident in Gourock, the gangway used to access the ferry ended up underwater.
A Police Scotland Spokesperson said: “Around 10.20pm on Tuesday, May 18, police were called to a report of a man causing a disturbance and damaging property at Gourock Ferry Terminal. Officers attended and a 35-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the incident. He was due before Greenock Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 19 May, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
We asked CalMac how the gangplank came to be submerged and if any damage was done, to which a spokesperson was able to confirm that the linkspan was not damaged during the incident, but due to the police involvement they would not comment further.
The MV Alicat is currently the only vessel operating on the route, after the return of the MV Argyll Flyer from dry dock which was expected on May 19 appears to have been delayed. We asked CalMac about this delay but did not receive a response.
