THE Arran Ferry was diverted from operations on Wednesday after a malicious hoax call was made to the Coastguard.

And rescue teams from throughout South Ayrshire were also tasked to help a yacht, which was apparently on fire, only to find nothing at all.

Shortly after 6pm on Wednesday, March 29, a mayday call was received stating that a yacht named Gwyneth was on fire and Troon RNLI along with the Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter from Prestwick and Girvan Lifeboat were tasked to the scene, allegedly a mile north of Irvine.

And the Arran Ferry, a fishing boat and a RIB also diverted to assist but nothing was found and it is now being treated as a hoax call with malicious intent.

Locals saw the Caledonian Isles situated in the water heading in the direction of Irvine and CalMac later confirmed that it was attending to a distress call.

A spokesperson said: ""Shortly after leaving Ardrossan at 6pm on March 29, MV Caledonian Isles identified a mayday distress call on Channel 16 VHF and alerted Belfast Coastguard to offer assistance in line with obligations under the International Convention of the Safety of Lives at Sea (also known as SOLAS) - CG asked the ferry to proceed to position, which was reported as near Irvine, and assist as required. 

"Troon lifeboat, a fishing boat and an inshore RIB also attended. MV Caledonian Isles was stood down by the CG at 6.55pm and returned to operational service."