AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a fishing boat sank following a collision with a tanker in the Firth of Clyde.
Three people were rescued by the coastguard after the crash, involving a tanker and a fishing vessel, between Ardrossan and Arran.
The incident happened at around 3pm on Thursday, April 25.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), which investigates marine accidents involving UK vessels worldwide and all vessels in UK territorial water, confirmed on Friday that it had launched a probe into the collision
The MAIB also confirmed that the two ships involved were the Greek-registered crude oil tanker Apache and the British-registered fishing vessel Serinah.
The investigation is currently at the preliminary assessment stage.
The Serinah was built in 2000 in Eyemouth in the Borders, and is understood to have been fishing out of Troon since 2019.
We had earlier reported how three men had to be rescued following the collision on the body of water separating Ardrossan and Arran at around 3pm on Thursday.
The RNLI's Troon and Arran lifeboats were called out to the scene, as were HM Coastguard rescue helicopters from Inverness and Stornoway.
The Ministry of Defence also confirmed an RAF Poseidon aircraft was involved in the emergency response.
CalMac's MV Isle of Arran ferry was also asked to assist, with sailings between Ardrossan and Brodick delayed as a result.
The RNLI confirmed that the three men had been taken back to the lifeboat station in Troon, where they were handed over to ambulance crews.
Police Scotland, who were informed of the incident around 4pm, later reported no injuries as a result of the collision.
Peel Ports, which is the statutory harbour authority for the Clyde, have said they will support the MAIB in their investigation.
A spokesperson commented: “We are aware of a collision between a tanker and fishing vessel off the coast of Arran.
"We understand that there are no injured parties and all crew members are safe and well. There are also no risks to the environment.
“The Coastguard leading the incident response has now stood down and a further investigation will follow, led by the MAIB.
"We will provide any support they require as the Statutory Harbour Authority.”
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