Passenger Death (overboard) on Stena Superfast VIII ferry on 1st July 2023

On 1 July 2023, a male passenger fell overboard from the Stena Superfast VIII during an Ireland–Scotland voyage from Belfast to Cairnryan in Loch Ryan, Wigtownshire, Scotland. The passenger was rescued from the water and airlifted by helicopter to Ayr's University Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The vessel is operated by Stena Line on a long-term charter and has served the Belfast–Cairnryan route since 2011.

HM Coastguard and Police Scotland were notified immediately. All standard emergency response procedures were activated, and the vessel resumed its scheduled departure at 8:30 pm local time.

At approximately 5:30 pm local time, the passenger fell overboard in Loch Ryan near Cairnryan. The ship immediately activated a search and rescue operation, launching a rescue speedboat with assistance from HM Coastguard rescue teams. The man was quickly recovered from the water and airlifted onto a rescue helicopter for emergency transport to Ayr's University Hospital.

Fatalities

• 1 male passenger pronounced deceased at Ayr's University Hospital.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• 1 passenger recovered from the water and airlifted to hospital.

HM Coastguard and Police Scotland were notified immediately following the incident. The ship's crew launched a rescue speedboat and coordinated with HM Coastguard rescue teams. A rescue helicopter was dispatched and airlifted the passenger to Ayr's University Hospital for emergency medical care. All standard emergency response procedures were activated by Stena Line.

The Stena Superfast VIII resumed its scheduled departure from Loch Ryan at 8:30 pm local time on 1 July 2023. The incident is under investigation by the relevant authorities.